Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

• Downloadable Handout: 3 Surprising Things US National Guidelines Say About VBAC | VBAC Facts®
• Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
• Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
• Professional Speaking & Continuing Education Training with Jen Kamel- VBAC Facts®
• The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
• Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
• VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education

Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

Instagram: @prod.analogue

And after two cesareans, both after reaching 10 centimeters and pushing for hours, could that be true? Plus, she was only five feet and one inch tall...

Licia shares with us the challenges she faced on her journey to a victorious hospital VBA2C from friends and family who wondered why this was so important to her to skepticism from healthcare providers and her own fears.

She reflects upon her choices during her first and second pregnancies and labors, including why she didn't, and then did, get an epidural as well as reveals how she processed her cesareans.

She recounts how her third labor was different than her first two - including her nurse who helped her into various positions that facilitated her VBA2C - showing that if you just change one thing, you can have a totally different outcome.

With her two prior FTP cesareans, the VBAC calculator would have predicted very low odds, but Licia pursued her dream of a vaginal birth proving that it is possible!

00:00 Meet Licia Popernack!

03:44 Why She Wanted to Share Her Story

08:02 What Her Doctor Said About Her VBAC Odds

08:52 Her First Pregnancy

10:53 Biggest Regret: "But That Locked Her In..."

12:01 Pushed For Four Hours, Then Cesarean

14:32 Her Doctor Had An Early Flight

15:24 Postpartum: "I Felt Really Isolated"

18:05 What Would Have Felt Supportive and Validating to Her

20:49 Download Our Free Resources

21:43 What Was She Told About VBAC?

23:00 Her Second Pregnancy

24:43 Changed Providers at 34 Weeks!

27:54 "Why Don't You Just Schedule Another Cesarean?"

31:07 Her Second Labor: "She Said I Could Never Have a Vaginal Birth"

32:25 Her Decision To Get An Epidural

34:12 Vacuum, FTP, Second Cesarean, and NICU

35:58 Processing Her Planned VBAC and Second Cesarean

39:08 Pregnant After Two Cesareans, Now What?

42:21 How Her Third Labor Was Different Than The First Two

48:23 " Made Me Get Into Positions That Weren't Comfortable For Me"

51:30 Did Anyone Mention Placenta Accreta?

52:39 Her VBA1C and VBA2C Advice

55:41 What She Would Have Done Differently

58:54 "Changed Me To Be More Accepting Of Things"

59:54 Advice: "But My Doctor Won't Let Me Plan a VBAC"

01:00:55 "There's Not One Thing That's Right For Everyone"

Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

• Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
• Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
• Professional Speaking & Continuing Education Training with Jen Kamel- VBAC Facts®
• The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
• E7 40+ VBAC Myths Busted! Plus Hospital VBA2C After Uterine Defect - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
• Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
• Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
• Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
• The Truth...]]>Licia Popernack was told that she had a curved tailbone and would never give birth vaginally.

  And after two cesareans, both after reaching 10 centimeters and pushing for hours, could that be true? Plus, she was only five feet and one inch tall...

  Licia shares with us the challenges she faced on her journey to a victorious hospital VBA2C from friends and family who wondered why this was so important to her to skepticism from healthcare providers and her own fears.

  She reflects upon her choices during her first and second pregnancies and labors, including why she didn't, and then did, get an epidural as well as reveals how she processed her cesareans.

  She recounts how her third labor was different than her first two - including her nurse who helped her into various positions that facilitated her VBA2C - showing that if you just change one thing, you can have a totally different outcome.

  With her two prior FTP cesareans, the VBAC calculator would have predicted very low odds, but Licia pursued her dream of a vaginal birth proving that it is possible!

  00:00 Meet Licia Popernack!

  03:44 Why She Wanted to Share Her Story

  08:02 What Her Doctor Said About Her VBAC Odds

  08:52 Her First Pregnancy

  10:53 Biggest Regret: "But That Locked Her In..."

  12:01 Pushed For Four Hours, Then Cesarean

  14:32 Her Doctor Had An Early Flight

  15:24 Postpartum: "I Felt Really Isolated"

  18:05 What Would Have Felt Supportive and Validating to Her

  20:49 Download Our Free Resources

  21:43 What Was She Told About VBAC?

  23:00 Her Second Pregnancy

  24:43 Changed Providers at 34 Weeks!

  27:54 "Why Don't You Just Schedule Another Cesarean?"

  31:07 Her Second Labor: "She Said I Could Never Have a Vaginal Birth"

  32:25 Her Decision To Get An Epidural

  34:12 Vacuum, FTP, Second Cesarean, and NICU

  35:58 Processing Her Planned VBAC and Second Cesarean

  39:08 Pregnant After Two Cesareans, Now What?

  42:21 How Her Third Labor Was Different Than The First Two

  48:23 " Made Me Get Into Positions That Weren't Comfortable For Me"

  51:30 Did Anyone Mention Placenta Accreta?

  52:39 Her VBA1C and VBA2C Advice

  55:41 What She Would Have Done Differently

  58:54 "Changed Me To Be More Accepting Of Things"

  59:54 Advice: "But My Doctor Won't Let Me Plan a VBAC"

  01:00:55 "There's Not One Thing That's Right For Everyone"

  Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

  • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
  • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
  • Professional Speaking & Continuing Education Training with Jen Kamel- VBAC Facts®
  • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
  • E7 40+ VBAC Myths Busted! Plus Hospital VBA2C After Uterine Defect - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
  • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
  • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
  • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
  • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
  
  

  Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

  Instagram: @prod.analogue

  ]]>f5440cae-c128-47d9-bee1-d246133a4694Fri, 19 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -080001:03:15falsefull2020E19 Surviving Placenta Percreta After Three Cesareans with Dawn Baranski93% of women pregnant after one or more cesareans are not informed about the risk of placenta accreta spectrum that rises with each subsequent cesarean. Instead, they are assured that a repeat cesarean is safe and a planned VBAC is risky and, as a result, they schedule another cesarean.

  Dawn Baranski was one of those women.

  After enduring the bait and switch after her first cesarean, she had one more cesarean with her OB's assurance that placenta issues are a "one in a million chance."

  When she got pregnant again after three cesareans, she developed placenta percreta - the most severe degree of placenta accreta spectrum - where the placenta grows through the uterine wall and attaches to other abdominal organs, most commonly the bladder.

  The safest way for her baby to be born was a complicated cesarean hysterectomy ending her fertility.

  Dawn recounts inadequate informed consent, her emotional and physical recovery from a cesarean hysterectomy, and why she considered an unassisted birth.

  She shares how her hysterectomy impacts her health to this day as she manages a vaginal prolapse and rectocele and her important message for parents and health care professionals.

  Jen also contrasts new research which found VBAC was accessible in only 16% of U.S. counties against a report from earlier this year where 84% of hospitals said they offered VBAC as well as her next virtual speaking engagement, opportunities for VBAC education for medical, midwifery, and nursing students, and reader feedback on therapeutic rest.

  • 03:34 16% of US Counties Offer VBAC
  • 11:06 Leapfrog Report: 84% of US Hospitals Offer VBAC
  • 14:18 Next Speaking Engagement: Keynote at InJoy's 5th Annual (Virtual) Summit
  • 16:29 VBAC Education for Medical, Midwifery, & Nursing Students
  • 17:40 Reader Feedback: Therapeutic Rest & 24 Hour Labor Limit
  • 19:51 Introducing Dawn  Baranski
  • 20:50 Six Prior Vaginal Births, First Cesarean
  • 22:20 Bait & Switch Strikes Again
  • 24:49 What the OB Advised After Two Cesareans
  • 26:29 Thought About Unassisted Birth, Had 3rd Cesarean
  • 27:43 What the OB Said About Cesarean Complications
  • 30:51 Mother's Autonomy & Decision Making Scale
  • 32:18 Why She Wanted An Unassisted Birth After Three Cesareans
  • 35:45 Why She Choose to Birth Her Baby in Texas
  • 41:33 Birthing Her Baby via Cesarean Hysterectomy
  • 45:18 Health Issues From Her Hysterectomy
  • 47:13 Why She Had a Cesarean Hysterectomy For Her Percreta
  • 49:33 Hysterectomy Induced Early Perimenopause/Menopause
  • 51:00 Hormone Replacement Therapy During Perimenopause
  • 51:50 How Recovery From a Cesarean Hysterectomy is Different Than a Cesarean
  • 55:32 What Hysterectomy Has To Do With Vaginal Prolapse & Rectocele
  • 57:44 Advice For Those Who Need A Cesarean Hysterectomy
  • 58:39 "I Wouldn't Have Showed Up For My Scheduled C-Section"
  • 01:00:07 Advice For Those Pregnant After One Cesarean
  • 01:01:01 Advice For Those Pregnant After Two Cesareans
  • 01:01:48 "There Was So Much Information That I Was Not Told"
  • 01:02:24 Physician Dismisses Future Risks as "Theoretical"
  • 01:05:14 "VBAC Poses Unnecessary Risk We Can Avoid Through C-Sections"
  • 01:07:04 "It's Hard 'Cause I Don't Trust Them"
  • 01:09:12 "We Don't Attend VBAC Because We Can Get Sued"
  • 01:12:59 What She Would Say To The OB Who Performed Her First Cesarean
  • 01:13:57 What Dawn Wants You To Know
  • 01:15:02 How Her Births Have Changed Her
  • 01:15:50 Her Advice: "My Doctor Won't Let Me Have a VBAC"
  
  

  Want to suggest a guest we should interview, topic we should discuss, or share your birth story? You can at https://vbacfacts.com/podcast!

  • 93% of women pregnant after one or more cesareans are not informed about the risk of placenta accreta spectrum that rises with each subsequent cesarean. Instead, they are assured that a repeat cesarean is safe and a planned VBAC is risky and, as a result, they schedule another cesarean.

    Dawn Baranski was one of those women.

    After enduring the bait and switch after her first cesarean, she had one more cesarean with her OB's assurance that placenta issues are a "one in a million chance."

    When she got pregnant again after three cesareans, she developed placenta percreta - the most severe degree of placenta accreta spectrum - where the placenta grows through the uterine wall and attaches to other abdominal organs, most commonly the bladder.

    The safest way for her baby to be born was a complicated cesarean hysterectomy ending her fertility.

    Dawn recounts inadequate informed consent, her emotional and physical recovery from a cesarean hysterectomy, and why she considered an unassisted birth.

    She shares how her hysterectomy impacts her health to this day as she manages a vaginal prolapse and rectocele and her important message for parents and health care professionals.

    Jen also contrasts new research which found VBAC was accessible in only 16% of U.S. counties against a report from earlier this year where 84% of hospitals said they offered VBAC as well as her next virtual speaking engagement, opportunities for VBAC education for medical, midwifery, and nursing students, and reader feedback on therapeutic rest.

    • 03:34 16% of US Counties Offer VBAC
    • 11:06 Leapfrog Report: 84% of US Hospitals Offer VBAC
    • 14:18 Next Speaking Engagement: Keynote at InJoy's 5th Annual (Virtual) Summit
    • 16:29 VBAC Education for Medical, Midwifery, & Nursing Students
    • 17:40 Reader Feedback: Therapeutic Rest & 24 Hour Labor Limit
    • 19:51 Introducing Dawn  Baranski
    • 20:50 Six Prior Vaginal Births, First Cesarean
    • 22:20 Bait & Switch Strikes Again
    • 24:49 What the OB Advised After Two Cesareans
    • 26:29 Thought About Unassisted Birth, Had 3rd Cesarean
    • 27:43 What the OB Said About Cesarean Complications
    • 30:51 Mother's Autonomy & Decision Making Scale
    • 32:18 Why She Wanted An Unassisted Birth After Three Cesareans
    • 35:45 Why She Choose to Birth Her Baby in Texas
    • 41:33 Birthing Her Baby via Cesarean Hysterectomy
    • 45:18 Health Issues From Her Hysterectomy
    • 47:13 Why She Had a Cesarean Hysterectomy For Her Percreta
    • 49:33 Hysterectomy Induced Early Perimenopause/Menopause
    • 51:00 Hormone Replacement Therapy During Perimenopause
    • 51:50 How Recovery From a Cesarean Hysterectomy is Different Than a Cesarean
    • 55:32 What Hysterectomy Has To Do With Vaginal Prolapse & Rectocele
    • 57:44 Advice For Those Who Need A Cesarean Hysterectomy
    • 58:39 "I Wouldn't Have Showed Up For My Scheduled C-Section"
    • 01:00:07 Advice For Those Pregnant After One Cesarean
    • 01:01:01 Advice For Those Pregnant After Two Cesareans
    • 01:01:48 "There Was So Much Information That I Was Not Told"
    • 01:02:24 Physician Dismisses Future Risks as "Theoretical"
    • 01:05:14 "VBAC Poses Unnecessary Risk We Can Avoid Through C-Sections"
    • 01:07:04 "It's Hard 'Cause I Don't Trust Them"
    • 01:09:12 "We Don't Attend VBAC Because We Can Get Sued"
    • 01:12:59 What She Would Say To The OB Who Performed Her First Cesarean
    • 01:13:57 What Dawn Wants You To Know
    • 01:15:02 How Her Births Have Changed Her
    • 01:15:50 Her Advice: "My Doctor Won't Let Me Have a VBAC"
    
    

    Want to suggest a guest we should interview, topic we should discuss, or share your birth story? You can at https://vbacfacts.com/podcast!

    • Professional Speaking & Continuing Education Training with Jen Kamel- VBAC Facts®
    • Jen Presents the Keynote at InJoy's 2025 Virtual Summit - InJoy Health Education
    • Ranchoff, B. L., Geissler, K. H., & Goff, S. L. (2025). Trends in labor after cesarean delivery access in the US. JAMA Netw Open, 8(8), e2526224.
    • State of Maternity Care in U.S. Hospitals: The Leapfrog Group 2025 Report on Trends | Leapfrog
    • Dawn Baranski's Blog: Difficult Ending = Beautiful Beginning - Blogspot
    • The Truth About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Educational Course for Parents
    • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
    
    

    Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

    Instagram: @prod.analogue

    ]]>1a7fbdd6-3ed5-436a-85cc-8c878f1730b5Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:00:00 -080001:16:44falsefull1919E18 "I Never Thought a 20-Week Abortion Ban Would Impact Me" with Megan KlingNever thought you would have an abortion? That's exactly what Wisconsin mom and maternal health advocate Megan Kling believed until she became pregnant with her third much wanted and planned child.

    Megan courageously shares her deeply personal story of terminating two pregnancies for medical reasons. She discusses the profound impact of abortion restrictions, the challenges of navigating medical insurance, and the importance of advocating for safer maternal healthcare. Megan's story highlights the complexities behind abortion legislation, its real-life effects on everyday moms, the inadequacy of exceptions for the life of the mother, and how, if you can become pregnant, abortion laws impact you. She also addresses the concept of "babies born alive from botched abortions," how she coped with losing two much wanted children, and why she had to leave her state to access evidence based health care. Along the way, she shares how she traveled to a larger hospital to VBAC her second child with unsupportive providers as well as her subsequent plans to VBAC a second time at her local rural, community hospital, and how the June 2024 presidential debate propelled her participation in a political ad. Tune in to hear her powerful narrative that sheds light on why empathetic and evidence-based healthcare is crucial for all women.

    00:00 Welcome to Episode 18!

    03:29 Seeking Guests: Level 1 Hospitals That Offer VBAC

    04:21 Meet Megan!

    05:44 Why Share Her Story

    07:07 If You Can Become Pregnant, Abortion Restrictions Can Impact You

    11:18 First Pregnancy and Cesarean

    13:14 No Mention of VBAC or Increased Risks After Cesarean

    14:11 Pregnant Again, But Rural Hospital Says, "No VBACs"

    17:32 VBAC Calculator Says 38%

    18:54 Free VBAC Resources

    19:48 "...I Guess We'll Let You Labor Anyway"

    23:00 Third Pregnancy, Returns to Rural Hospital for Second VBAC

    23:41 What Happens If I Decline a Cesarean?

    25:47 Patients Are Not Obligated To Follow Hospital Policy

    26:43 There Is Something Very Wrong

    29:35 The Diagnosis

    31:59 What Are The Abortion Laws In Wisconsin?

    35:39 "Born Alive From Botched Abortions"

    37:11 Pregnancy Is Too Complex To Legislate

    38:02 How She Coped With Her Son's Passing

    39:06 Ready To Try Again

    40:04 Pregnant With Plans to VBAC at Community Hospital

    43:06 And It Happens Again

    44:09 Can't Access The Medications She Needs Due to Fear Surrounding Abortion Laws

    47:09 "If I Had Not Experienced This, I Would've Never Known To Ask This Question"

    48:14 Her Fourth Child's Birth

    48:58 Umbilical Cord Abnormality

    51:30 Why Did She Need To Leave The State?

    52:32 How Abortion Bans Impact Health Care For All

    55:33 Want to Learn More About VBAC?

    56:53 Insurance May Not Cover Abortion Care (Even When Medically Indicated)

    59:54 The Healthcare Gap Planned Parenthood Fills

    01:01:29 Can You Get Pregnant? Abortion Laws Can Impact You.

    01:03:09 What Has All This Media Exposure Been Like?

    01:04:43 Agreeing To Be In A Political Ad

    01:06:15 Speaking Even When Your Voice Shakes

    01:09:15 Listen To The Voice Screaming Inside You

    01:12:37 How She Has Grown

    01:14:25 Advice For Women Pregnant With A Non-Viable Pregnancy

    01:15:18 What She Wishes She Knew At The Beginning

    01:16:45 The Ripple Effect Of Her Pregnancies

    01:17:50 How She Engages With Healthcare Now

    01:18:44 Jen's Experience With Misinformation & Pelvic Prolapse

    01:20:40 Abortion Bans Do Not Care About The Life Of The Mother

    01:23:32 Unintended Consequences & Abortion Bans

    01:24:33 Make Your Voice Heard

    01:25:12 Women's Health Is Inherently Political

    01:26:31 Our Summer Hiatus, See You In The Fall

    Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should...]]>Never thought you would have an abortion? That's exactly what Wisconsin mom and maternal health advocate Megan Kling believed until she became pregnant with her third much wanted and planned child.

    Megan courageously shares her deeply personal story of terminating two pregnancies for medical reasons. She discusses the profound impact of abortion restrictions, the challenges of navigating medical insurance, and the importance of advocating for safer maternal healthcare. Megan's story highlights the complexities behind abortion legislation, its real-life effects on everyday moms, the inadequacy of exceptions for the life of the mother, and how, if you can become pregnant, abortion laws impact you. She also addresses the concept of "babies born alive from botched abortions," how she coped with losing two much wanted children, and why she had to leave her state to access evidence based health care. Along the way, she shares how she traveled to a larger hospital to VBAC her second child with unsupportive providers as well as her subsequent plans to VBAC a second time at her local rural, community hospital, and how the June 2024 presidential debate propelled her participation in a political ad. Tune in to hear her powerful narrative that sheds light on why empathetic and evidence-based healthcare is crucial for all women.

    00:00 Welcome to Episode 18!

    03:29 Seeking Guests: Level 1 Hospitals That Offer VBAC

    04:21 Meet Megan!

    05:44 Why Share Her Story

    07:07 If You Can Become Pregnant, Abortion Restrictions Can Impact You

    11:18 First Pregnancy and Cesarean

    13:14 No Mention of VBAC or Increased Risks After Cesarean

    14:11 Pregnant Again, But Rural Hospital Says, "No VBACs"

    17:32 VBAC Calculator Says 38%

    18:54 Free VBAC Resources

    19:48 "...I Guess We'll Let You Labor Anyway"

    23:00 Third Pregnancy, Returns to Rural Hospital for Second VBAC

    23:41 What Happens If I Decline a Cesarean?

    25:47 Patients Are Not Obligated To Follow Hospital Policy

    26:43 There Is Something Very Wrong

    29:35 The Diagnosis

    31:59 What Are The Abortion Laws In Wisconsin?

    35:39 "Born Alive From Botched Abortions"

    37:11 Pregnancy Is Too Complex To Legislate

    38:02 How She Coped With Her Son's Passing

    39:06 Ready To Try Again

    40:04 Pregnant With Plans to VBAC at Community Hospital

    43:06 And It Happens Again

    44:09 Can't Access The Medications She Needs Due to Fear Surrounding Abortion Laws

    47:09 "If I Had Not Experienced This, I Would've Never Known To Ask This Question"

    48:14 Her Fourth Child's Birth

    48:58 Umbilical Cord Abnormality

    51:30 Why Did She Need To Leave The State?

    52:32 How Abortion Bans Impact Health Care For All

    55:33 Want to Learn More About VBAC?

    56:53 Insurance May Not Cover Abortion Care (Even When Medically Indicated)

    59:54 The Healthcare Gap Planned Parenthood Fills

    01:01:29 Can You Get Pregnant? Abortion Laws Can Impact You.

    01:03:09 What Has All This Media Exposure Been Like?

    01:04:43 Agreeing To Be In A Political Ad

    01:06:15 Speaking Even When Your Voice Shakes

    01:09:15 Listen To The Voice Screaming Inside You

    01:12:37 How She Has Grown

    01:14:25 Advice For Women Pregnant With A Non-Viable Pregnancy

    01:15:18 What She Wishes She Knew At The Beginning

    01:16:45 The Ripple Effect Of Her Pregnancies

    01:17:50 How She Engages With Healthcare Now

    01:18:44 Jen's Experience With Misinformation & Pelvic Prolapse

    01:20:40 Abortion Bans Do Not Care About The Life Of The Mother

    01:23:32 Unintended Consequences & Abortion Bans

    01:24:33 Make Your Voice Heard

    01:25:12 Women's Health Is Inherently Political

    01:26:31 Our Summer Hiatus, See You In The Fall

    Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

    • Downloadable Handout: 3 Surprising Things US National Guidelines Say About VBAC | VBAC Facts®
    • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
    • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
    • Bioethicist Fr. Ryan McCarthy discusses brain death, abortion, and the Adriana Smith Case on All Things Women's Health - Apple Podcasts
    • Pelvic floor physiotherapist Dr. Sinéad Dufour
    • The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker (click this link to purchase from a Black owned bookstore)
    • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
    • E6: Decoding the VBAC Calculator: Science, Bias, and Decision Making │ The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
    • Study finds that VBAC calculators underpredict VBAC odds. They are also racially biased. | VBAC Facts®
    • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
    • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
    • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
    
    

    Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

    Instagram: @prod.analogue

    ]]>c74ec8e7-5f6b-4e77-9832-631c3bccca69Fri, 27 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -080001:27:11falsefull1818E17 An Attorney's Fight to Challenge Rights Violations & Illegal Maternal Care Practices with Hermine Hayes-KleinConfusion and fear over lawsuits drives health care in the US and even more so within obstetrics and midwifery. In the midst of defensive medicine as default, many clinicians miss the one decision that provides ultimate litigation protection.

    Hermine Hayes-Klein is single handedly changing the landscape relative to litigation within maternal health care. An informed consent expert and international civil and human rights attorney, she specializes in the abuse of women and birthing people by the maternal health system.

    We will discuss:

    • the cognitive disconnect among healthcare providers regarding informed consent during pregnancy and childbirth
    • legal cases that illustrate widespread rights violations
    • her recent $1.73 million jury verdict
    • the legal and ethical mandates that protect pregnant women's rights
    • the role of lawyers in enforcing these rights
    • conventional wisdom like "you'll never be sued for a cesarean" and "liability concerns makes us do it"
    • how doctors will be held accountable for not respecting patient rights
    • why "birth can't be planned" is insulting
    • how juries recognize trauma as an injury that matters
    • why clinicians should support women's choices even if it scares them
    
    

    Additionally, Jen talks about her upcoming VBAC training for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and answers a reader's question about prior uterine dehiscence and future uterine rupture risk.

    00:00 Welcome To Episode 17!

    02:07 Next VBAC Facts® Training

    03:58 Reader Question: Prior Uterine Dehiscence

    11:23 Telemedicine VBAC Consults

    12:44 Introducing Hermine Hayes-Klein

    14:06 The Violation of Informed Consent

    17:34 "You'll Never Be Sued For Doing a Cesarean" And Other Myths

    18:57 Perverse Liability Incentives

    20:12 VBAC Resources

    21:06 Doctors Will Be Held Accountable For Not Respecting Client's Rights

    21:42 Rinat Dray's Forced Cesarean

    25:33 $1.73 Million Dollar Judgement

    26:39 Cognitive Disconnect in Maternity Care

    31:18 "Birth Can't Be Planned" Is Insulting

    32:11 Sample Birth Plan Language

    32:31 Hooked Up & Induced, No Medical Reason

    33:15 Running, Sobbing, Sleepwalking

    33:44 Diagnosed with "Adjustment Disorder" Instead of PTSD

    34:07 "The Kind of Abuse That Happens To Women Every Day"

    35:00 "The Baby's Healthy, Why Are We Even Here?"

    35:49 Babies Need Their Mothers To Be Healthy

    36:11 Juries Recognize Trauma As An Injury That Matters

    36:50 Hold Doctors Accountable For Doing What The Law Requires

    36:59 Next Case Challenges, "You Are Not Allowed"

    39:12 "The Very Real Risks of Cesarean Are Dumped Onto The Birthing Patient"

    39:46 Birth Trauma Not About Mode of Delivery

    40:22 Who is Liable for Complications?

    41:17 "Liability Makes Us Do It" Is A Lie

    41:42 VBAC Facts Courses

    45:06 Should We "Go Slow?" Are We "There Yet?"

    46:26 The Law of Informed Consent Means...

    46:56 "Keep Telling Them That They Have To Strap Down For The Belt"

    48:26 What Violating Informed Consent Looks Like

    49:46 Bodily Autonomy "Goes Both Ways?"

    51:15 Let's Be Clear About Maternal Death

    52:33 News Articles When Women Die During Childbirth, Often, It's Cesarean

    53:30 We Are Pro Evidence Based Care and Informed Consent

    55:21 OBGYNs Should Support Patient Decisions, Even If It Scares Them

    57:01 When An OB Realized Her Informed Consent Process Was Coercive

    58:24 OB's Testimony Regarding Informed Consent

    01:00:32 Women and Birthing People Are The Captain Of The Ship

    01:01:13 Rights Exist Even In Rural Hospitals

    Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to

  • how doctors will be held accountable for not respecting patient rights
  • why "birth can't be planned" is insulting
  • how juries recognize trauma as an injury that matters
  • why clinicians should support women's choices even if it scares them
  
  

  Additionally, Jen talks about her upcoming VBAC training for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and answers a reader's question about prior uterine dehiscence and future uterine rupture risk.

  00:00 Welcome To Episode 17!

  02:07 Next VBAC Facts® Training

  03:58 Reader Question: Prior Uterine Dehiscence

  11:23 Telemedicine VBAC Consults

  12:44 Introducing Hermine Hayes-Klein

  14:06 The Violation of Informed Consent

  17:34 "You'll Never Be Sued For Doing a Cesarean" And Other Myths

  18:57 Perverse Liability Incentives

  20:12 VBAC Resources

  21:06 Doctors Will Be Held Accountable For Not Respecting Client's Rights

  21:42 Rinat Dray's Forced Cesarean

  25:33 $1.73 Million Dollar Judgement

  26:39 Cognitive Disconnect in Maternity Care

  31:18 "Birth Can't Be Planned" Is Insulting

  32:11 Sample Birth Plan Language

  32:31 Hooked Up & Induced, No Medical Reason

  33:15 Running, Sobbing, Sleepwalking

  33:44 Diagnosed with "Adjustment Disorder" Instead of PTSD

  34:07 "The Kind of Abuse That Happens To Women Every Day"

  35:00 "The Baby's Healthy, Why Are We Even Here?"

  35:49 Babies Need Their Mothers To Be Healthy

  36:11 Juries Recognize Trauma As An Injury That Matters

  36:50 Hold Doctors Accountable For Doing What The Law Requires

  36:59 Next Case Challenges, "You Are Not Allowed"

  39:12 "The Very Real Risks of Cesarean Are Dumped Onto The Birthing Patient"

  39:46 Birth Trauma Not About Mode of Delivery

  40:22 Who is Liable for Complications?

  41:17 "Liability Makes Us Do It" Is A Lie

  41:42 VBAC Facts Courses

  45:06 Should We "Go Slow?" Are We "There Yet?"

  46:26 The Law of Informed Consent Means...

  46:56 "Keep Telling Them That They Have To Strap Down For The Belt"

  48:26 What Violating Informed Consent Looks Like

  49:46 Bodily Autonomy "Goes Both Ways?"

  51:15 Let's Be Clear About Maternal Death

  52:33 News Articles When Women Die During Childbirth, Often, It's Cesarean

  53:30 We Are Pro Evidence Based Care and Informed Consent

  55:21 OBGYNs Should Support Patient Decisions, Even If It Scares Them

  57:01 When An OB Realized Her Informed Consent Process Was Coercive

  58:24 OB's Testimony Regarding Informed Consent

  01:00:32 Women and Birthing People Are The Captain Of The Ship

  01:01:13 Rights Exist Even In Rural Hospitals

  Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

  Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

  Instagram: @prod.analogue

  • Downloadable Handout: 3 Surprising Things US National Guidelines Say About VBAC | VBAC Facts®
  • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
  • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
  • How to Navigate Forced Cesarean Threats with L&D RN Lexi Abeln, Birth Monopoly Founder Cristen Pascucci, and Hermine Hayes-Klein │ VBAC Facts® Professional Membership
  • An Attorney's Guide to Navigating Informed Consent and Refusal with Hermine Hayes Klein │ VBAC Facts® Professional Membership
  • Nina Simone: Mississippi Goddam │ YouTube
  • The story behind Nina Simone's protest song, "Mississippi Goddam" | American Masters | PBS
  • “Midwife Delivery Death Trial" judge comments: Home birth is a constitutional right | VBAC Facts®
  • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
  • E5: Autonomy, Authority, Coercion & Consent: Who Decides in Maternity Care? │ The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
  • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
  • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
  • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
  
  ]]>b8334f2c-c0bd-4a0e-8300-a33e8b676212Fri, 13 Jun 2025 02:00:00 -080001:02:56falsefull1717E16 "Hospitals Cannot Legally Enforce VBAC Bans" and Other Juicy Advocacy Tidbits with Barbara Stratton plus Next VBAC Facts® Training, Reader Stories, & TikTok TrapsWant to change hospital policy, VBAC ban, placenta policy, or otherwise? Barbara Stratton is your gal.

  In this interview, Barbara reflects back on over 20 years of activism and shares her biggest tips to changing hospital policy as well as what first time parents wish they knew.

  She shares insights on speaking to the media, planning a rally, searching for the perfect VBAC plaintiff as well as the secret to activism.

  The discussion also includes:

  • how Medicare/Medicaid said hospitals cannot enforce VBAC bans,
  • caution for hospital based childbirth classes
  • as well as birth centers inside hospitals, and
  • why she created her Birth Words Poetry Magnet Set!
  
  

  Plus Jen shares:

  • her upcoming speaking engagement with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health,
  • reader Katelyn's experience with the VBAC calculator, and
  • observations from VBAC Facts'® first month on TikTok including
  • why mothers shouldn't always "listen to your doctor" and
  • the privilege embedded in the statement "find another provider/hospital who is supportive of VBAC."
  
  

  All this and more in episode 16 of The VBAC Facts® Podcast!

  01:55 Upcoming Events & News

  03:53 Reader Katelyn's Experience with the VBAC Calculator

  07:16 TikTok: "Listen to Your Doctor!"

  16:01 Anonymous, Disrespectful, and Full of Disdain

  18:21 Showing Up on Social Media

  19:47 Concerns About Litigation

  27:21 The Bait & Switch

  31:31 Why "Find Another Hospital" Is So Hard

  34:39 Meet Barbara Stratton

  35:20 Birth Words Poetry Magnet Set

  37:04 Her Cesarean Poem

  40:24 Her Journey to Birth Activism

  45:33 Finding Post-Cesarean Support

  46:57 Learns About VBAC Bans

  48:02 Planning Her First VBAC Ban Rally

  55:07 Fighting the VBAC Ban

  55:58 First VBAC Ban Reversed!

  56:20 Woman Wants VBA2C, Declines Third Cesarean

  57:52 Maryland Attorney General: "Generally it is not legal to section a woman against her consent"

  59:34 Resources for Fighting VBAC Bans

  01:00:43 Goal: To Reverse All VBAC Bans

  01:04:17 Hospitals Cannot Enforce VBAC Bans

  01:09:28 The Secret to Activism

  01:15:50 Work with Barbara 1:1

  01:16:49 Speaking Even When Your Voice Shakes at the NIH VBAC Conference

  01:19:02 Changing Hospital Placenta Policy

  01:21:16 Examples of In-Hospital Advocacy

  01:22:44 Biggest Issue in Birth Activism: The Elusive First Time Mother

  01:24:58 Mothers: "I Wish I Had Known..."

  01:32:28 Most Successful VBAC Ban Reversal Strategies

  01:35:00 A Forced Cesarean

  01:44:47 The Idea of Fault

  01:47:21 VBAC Planning Tips

  01:52:00 Hospital Based Childbirth Classes

  01:55:14 Searching for the Perfect VBAC Plaintiff

  01:56:11 Denied VBAC a Week Before She Was Due

  01:56:44 Physician Preference Drives VBAC Ban Reversal

  02:00:31 Advice for Birth Professionals

  02:04:39 Key Differences in Birth Centers

  02:07:19 Advice for Parents

  02:09:14 Mutual Appreciation ❤️

  02:12:29 VBAC Bait & Switch

  Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

  • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
  • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
  • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
  • Schedule a consulting call with Barbara...]]>Want to change hospital policy, VBAC ban, placenta policy, or otherwise? Barbara Stratton is your gal.

    In this interview, Barbara reflects back on over 20 years of activism and shares her biggest tips to changing hospital policy as well as what first time parents wish they knew.

    She shares insights on speaking to the media, planning a rally, searching for the perfect VBAC plaintiff as well as the secret to activism.

    The discussion also includes:

    • how Medicare/Medicaid said hospitals cannot enforce VBAC bans,
    • caution for hospital based childbirth classes
    • as well as birth centers inside hospitals, and
    • why she created her Birth Words Poetry Magnet Set!
    
    

    Plus Jen shares:

    • her upcoming speaking engagement with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health,
    • reader Katelyn's experience with the VBAC calculator, and
    • observations from VBAC Facts'® first month on TikTok including
    • why mothers shouldn't always "listen to your doctor" and
    • the privilege embedded in the statement "find another provider/hospital who is supportive of VBAC."
    
    

    All this and more in episode 16 of The VBAC Facts® Podcast!

    01:55 Upcoming Events & News

    03:53 Reader Katelyn's Experience with the VBAC Calculator

    07:16 TikTok: "Listen to Your Doctor!"

    16:01 Anonymous, Disrespectful, and Full of Disdain

    18:21 Showing Up on Social Media

    19:47 Concerns About Litigation

    27:21 The Bait & Switch

    31:31 Why "Find Another Hospital" Is So Hard

    34:39 Meet Barbara Stratton

    35:20 Birth Words Poetry Magnet Set

    37:04 Her Cesarean Poem

    40:24 Her Journey to Birth Activism

    45:33 Finding Post-Cesarean Support

    46:57 Learns About VBAC Bans

    48:02 Planning Her First VBAC Ban Rally

    55:07 Fighting the VBAC Ban

    55:58 First VBAC Ban Reversed!

    56:20 Woman Wants VBA2C, Declines Third Cesarean

    57:52 Maryland Attorney General: "Generally it is not legal to section a woman against her consent"

    59:34 Resources for Fighting VBAC Bans

    01:00:43 Goal: To Reverse All VBAC Bans

    01:04:17 Hospitals Cannot Enforce VBAC Bans

    01:09:28 The Secret to Activism

    01:15:50 Work with Barbara 1:1

    01:16:49 Speaking Even When Your Voice Shakes at the NIH VBAC Conference

    01:19:02 Changing Hospital Placenta Policy

    01:21:16 Examples of In-Hospital Advocacy

    01:22:44 Biggest Issue in Birth Activism: The Elusive First Time Mother

    01:24:58 Mothers: "I Wish I Had Known..."

    01:32:28 Most Successful VBAC Ban Reversal Strategies

    01:35:00 A Forced Cesarean

    01:44:47 The Idea of Fault

    01:47:21 VBAC Planning Tips

    01:52:00 Hospital Based Childbirth Classes

    01:55:14 Searching for the Perfect VBAC Plaintiff

    01:56:11 Denied VBAC a Week Before She Was Due

    01:56:44 Physician Preference Drives VBAC Ban Reversal

    02:00:31 Advice for Birth Professionals

    02:04:39 Key Differences in Birth Centers

    02:07:19 Advice for Parents

    02:09:14 Mutual Appreciation ❤️

    02:12:29 VBAC Bait & Switch

    Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

    • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
    • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
    • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
    • Schedule a consulting call with Barbara Stratton
    • Only two hospitals in state ban VBAC, Nov 27, 2005 | Archives | fredericknewspost.com
    • Hails reconsideration of FMH VBAC policy, Jul 25, 2006 | Archives | fredericknewspost.com
    • FMH rethinks ban on VBACs, Jul 7, 2006 | Archives | fredericknewspost.com
    • E13: Why This OB/GYN Passionately Supports VBAC Access (And You Should Too) with Dr. Chris Stroud │ The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
    • E6: Decoding the VBAC Calculator: Science, Bias, and Decision Making │ The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
    • E5: Autonomy, Authority, Coercion & Consent: Who Decides in Maternity Care? │ The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
    • E14: An OB Scientist's Caution on the VBAC Calculator and Informed Consent with Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin MD PhD │ The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
    • California Abundant Birth Project - Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
    • Birth Words - poetry magnet set with free shipping │ Etsy
    • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
    • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
    • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
    • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
    
    

    Tools Jen loves (affiliate links)

    • Made with Descript!: https://get.descript.com/h450nx6hehq4
    • Host your podcast with Captivate: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ytczmzd
    • Use Kit for your email marketing: https://convertkit.com?lmref=Q3Cbxw
    
    

    Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

    Instagram: @prod.analogue

    ]]>b4826a6e-ff49-4716-8243-559796d34f03Fri, 30 May 2025 02:00:00 -080002:15:01falsefull1616E15 A Psychologist's Journey Navigating a Hospital VBAC Ban with Dr. Denise Jaimes-Villanueva PsyDWhat do you do when you are pregnant after a cesarean and the only hospital in your community has a VBAC ban? Come hear the story of Dr. Denise Jaimes-Villanueva PsyD of Santa Barbara, California as she shares everything she endured to avoid compulsory surgery.

    From the challenges around finding a provider in a community where the influence of the hostile VBAC climate permeated to the financial and emotional factors that influenced her decisions, she discusses the journey of processing the grief of her births, what she would do differently, and the lessons she learned along the way.

    Her story illustrates why the refrain, "just find a supportive provider or hospital" is often trite and why every hospital with a L&D unit in the US should support and offer VBAC, as the American College of OB/GYNs has explicitly stated since 2017.

    • 00:42 Welcome Denise!
    • 02:03 Her First Birth
    • 14:21 Navigating VBAC Bans
    • 24:12 Hiring Midwives to Labor at Home
    • 34:58 The Toll of Hostile Climate VBAC Planning
    • 36:46 Lessons She Learned
    • 50:18 Processing the Impact of Those Births
    • 54:40 Trusting Providers is Still Hard
    • 57:45 Her Message for Parents
    • 59:54 Her Message to Clinicians
    • 01:01:28 Her Message to Policymakers
    
    

    If you have a question about a prior episode, a topic you'd like me to feature, a guest you'd like me to interview (including yourself!), or a "VBAC win" (birth stories, policy changes, advocacy/legal victories) you'd like to share, go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast.

    • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
    • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
    • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
    • E3: "The Rules About VBAC" Part 1: A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen Kamel - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
    • E5: Autonomy, Authority, Coercion & Consent: Who Decides in Maternity Care? - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
    • E4: “The Rules About VBAC” Part 2: A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen Kamel - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
    • "No one can force you to have a cesarean" is false | VBAC Facts®
    • Calling women who plan home VBACs "stupid" misses the point | VBAC Facts®
    • How to File a Complaint for Obstetric Violence or Mistreatment in Birth - Birth Monopoly
    • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
    • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
    • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
    • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
    • Too Bad We Can't Just "Ban" Accreta-The Downstream Consequences of VBAC Bans - VBAC Facts® Article
    • What do you do when you are pregnant after a cesarean and the only hospital in your community has a VBAC ban? Come hear the story of Dr. Denise Jaimes-Villanueva PsyD of Santa Barbara, California as she shares everything she endured to avoid compulsory surgery.

      From the challenges around finding a provider in a community where the influence of the hostile VBAC climate permeated to the financial and emotional factors that influenced her decisions, she discusses the journey of processing the grief of her births, what she would do differently, and the lessons she learned along the way.

      Her story illustrates why the refrain, "just find a supportive provider or hospital" is often trite and why every hospital with a L&D unit in the US should support and offer VBAC, as the American College of OB/GYNs has explicitly stated since 2017.

      • 00:42 Welcome Denise!
      • 02:03 Her First Birth
      • 14:21 Navigating VBAC Bans
      • 24:12 Hiring Midwives to Labor at Home
      • 34:58 The Toll of Hostile Climate VBAC Planning
      • 36:46 Lessons She Learned
      • 50:18 Processing the Impact of Those Births
      • 54:40 Trusting Providers is Still Hard
      • 57:45 Her Message for Parents
      • 59:54 Her Message to Clinicians
      • 01:01:28 Her Message to Policymakers
      
      

      If you have a question about a prior episode, a topic you'd like me to feature, a guest you'd like me to interview (including yourself!), or a "VBAC win" (birth stories, policy changes, advocacy/legal victories) you'd like to share, go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast.

      • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
      • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
      • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
      • E3: "The Rules About VBAC" Part 1: A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen Kamel - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
      • E5: Autonomy, Authority, Coercion & Consent: Who Decides in Maternity Care? - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
      • E4: “The Rules About VBAC” Part 2: A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen Kamel - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
      • "No one can force you to have a cesarean" is false | VBAC Facts®
      • Calling women who plan home VBACs "stupid" misses the point | VBAC Facts®
      • How to File a Complaint for Obstetric Violence or Mistreatment in Birth - Birth Monopoly
      • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
      • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
      • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
      • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
      • Too Bad We Can't Just "Ban" Accreta-The Downstream Consequences of VBAC Bans - VBAC Facts® Article
      • "Hospitals offering VBAC are required to have 24/7 anesthesia" is false - VBAC Facts® Article
      
      

      Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

      Instagram: @prod.analogue

      ]]>104fde84-7ea4-4e3b-8777-173c94534078Fri, 16 May 2025 02:00:00 -080001:04:33falsefull1515E14 An OB Scientist's Caution on the VBAC Calculator and Informed Consent with Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin MD PhDEver use the VBAC calculator? Then you will want to listen to physician scientist and VBAC calculator researcher Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor at UC San Francisco, as he reviews the historical and cultural implications of the VBAC calculator, a tool used to predict vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) odds.

      The conversation uncovers how the calculator has propagated racist assumptions that Black and Hispanic bodies are less capable of vaginal birth, the consequences of those assumptions on maternal care, and the problematic "60% threshold."

      They explore how to shift the conversation from risk-based to goal-oriented, how problems remain even after race and ethnicity were removed from the tool, recent research out of Sweden, and the fundamental ethical issues at the root of the calculator.

      The episode also addresses the concept of "controlling risk in advance," ethical implications of using surgery as a default solution, why some midwives don't use the calculator, and provides insights into future research and practices aimed at increasing equitable access to VBAC.

      02:11 His Training and Background

      09:25 How He Decided to Study the VBAC Calculator

      11:25 Is VBAC a Political Issue?

      13:38 New Limitations on Research Grants

      16:48 The Many VBAC Calculators

      20:37 How to Define Uterine Rupture

      21:45 Race as a Risk Factor

      23:28 The Power of Lived Experience in Research

      25:55 It's Not Race, It's Racism

      27:56 How Race & Racism Were Built Into the Calculator

      29:28 Race & Ethnicity Removed from the VBAC Calculator

      32:13 A New Form of Scientific Racism

      33:03 Removing Race, Problems Remain

      35:34 Response to VBAC Calculator Critique

      38:34 Reader Q: Validate Prior FTP Cesarean

      42:27 Swedish Study: 10cm FTP Diagnosis & Future VBAC Odds

      43:36 Script for Using the Calculator

      44:44 Reader Q: Psychosocial Elements of FTP

      47:07 Science Beyond VBAC Calculator Comes From Oncology!

      47:59 Calculator Contributes to Informed Consent?

      51:04 Where to Start: VBAC Calculator & Informed Consent

      54:01 Controlling Risk in Advance

      01:01:02 The Fundamental Ethical Issue

      01:03:16 The 60% Threshold

      01:08:02 The "Necessity" of The 40/41-Week Scheduled Cesarean

      01:10:28 Goal Oriented Conversations

      Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

      • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
      • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
      • Contribute to the VBAC Facts® BIPOC Scholarship Fund | VBAC Facts®
      • Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Calculator (MFMU)
      • Episode 6 Decoding the VBAC Calculator: Science, Bias, and Decision Making | The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
      • Study finds that VBAC calculators underpredict VBAC odds. They are also racially biased. | VBAC Facts®
      • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
      • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
      • Sign up for your copy of...]]>Ever use the VBAC calculator? Then you will want to listen to physician scientist and VBAC calculator researcher Dr. Nicholas Rubashkin, MD, PhD, an Associate Professor at UC San Francisco, as he reviews the historical and cultural implications of the VBAC calculator, a tool used to predict vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) odds.

        The conversation uncovers how the calculator has propagated racist assumptions that Black and Hispanic bodies are less capable of vaginal birth, the consequences of those assumptions on maternal care, and the problematic "60% threshold."

        They explore how to shift the conversation from risk-based to goal-oriented, how problems remain even after race and ethnicity were removed from the tool, recent research out of Sweden, and the fundamental ethical issues at the root of the calculator.

        The episode also addresses the concept of "controlling risk in advance," ethical implications of using surgery as a default solution, why some midwives don't use the calculator, and provides insights into future research and practices aimed at increasing equitable access to VBAC.

        02:11 His Training and Background

        09:25 How He Decided to Study the VBAC Calculator

        11:25 Is VBAC a Political Issue?

        13:38 New Limitations on Research Grants

        16:48 The Many VBAC Calculators

        20:37 How to Define Uterine Rupture

        21:45 Race as a Risk Factor

        23:28 The Power of Lived Experience in Research

        25:55 It's Not Race, It's Racism

        27:56 How Race & Racism Were Built Into the Calculator

        29:28 Race & Ethnicity Removed from the VBAC Calculator

        32:13 A New Form of Scientific Racism

        33:03 Removing Race, Problems Remain

        35:34 Response to VBAC Calculator Critique

        38:34 Reader Q: Validate Prior FTP Cesarean

        42:27 Swedish Study: 10cm FTP Diagnosis & Future VBAC Odds

        43:36 Script for Using the Calculator

        44:44 Reader Q: Psychosocial Elements of FTP

        47:07 Science Beyond VBAC Calculator Comes From Oncology!

        47:59 Calculator Contributes to Informed Consent?

        51:04 Where to Start: VBAC Calculator & Informed Consent

        54:01 Controlling Risk in Advance

        01:01:02 The Fundamental Ethical Issue

        01:03:16 The 60% Threshold

        01:08:02 The "Necessity" of The 40/41-Week Scheduled Cesarean

        01:10:28 Goal Oriented Conversations

        Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

        • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
        • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
        • Contribute to the VBAC Facts® BIPOC Scholarship Fund | VBAC Facts®
        • Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Calculator (MFMU)
        • Episode 6 Decoding the VBAC Calculator: Science, Bias, and Decision Making | The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
        • Study finds that VBAC calculators underpredict VBAC odds. They are also racially biased. | VBAC Facts®
        • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
        • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
        • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
        • The Truth About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Educational Course for Parents
        • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
        
        

        Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

        Instagram: @prod.analogue

        ]]>ae8bd5a6-b1a9-4b74-9e92-b907b11db4c1Fri, 02 May 2025 02:00:00 -080001:14:38falsefull1414E13 Why This OB/GYN Passionately Supports VBAC Access (And You Should Too) with Dr. Chris StroudHeard no one supports VBAC? Simply not true. Join Dr. Chris Stroud OB/GYN of Fort Wayne, Indiana has he considers his 30 year career and shares why offering VBAC is so important to him, including his reasoning for supporting community midwives who attend home and birth center VBAC.

        We discuss the concept of "acceptable complications," which may provide some insight as to why many OBs in the United States recommend repeat cesareans for everyone regardless of their medical history, their current clinical scenario, or VBAC candidacy.

        He also shares his vulnerable and authentic reflections on being sued after a uterine rupture related fetal demise and why he continues to attend VBACs. Key topics covered include his practice's secret sauce, how working with community midwives has made him a better obstetrician, what he calls the four pillars of VBAC success, and a special message for physicians who don't attend VBAC and hospital administrators who maintain VBAC bans.

        00:00 Upcoming VBAC Facts® Events

        01:35 Join Our Email List to Learn More About VBAC

        02:16 How To Book Jen to Speak at Your Next Event

        03:01 What We Will Talk About Today

        08:24 When VBACs Were Required

        13:21 His VBAC Philosophy

        14:39 Why His Believes Offering VBAC is Important

        16:28 How He Counsels Patients on VBAC vs Repeat Cesarean

        19:19 The Concept of "Acceptable Complications"

        24:06 Avoiding VBAC Bait & Switch

        26:46 Does He Worry About VBAC Safety?

        28:27 When He Induces Planned VBACs

        30:06 What "Immediately Available" Means to Him

        31:16 Why Aren't All Hospitals Attending VBAC?

        33:53 On Not Giving Up

        35:48 Voting with Your Feet

        36:55 Administrative, Hospital, & Legal Challenges

        40:23 Don't Leave Those with Primary Cesareans in the Dust

        42:32 Questions for Non-VBAC Providers

        45:42 It's the Lawsuit

        47:37 His Practice's Secret Sauce

        50:47 On Collaborating with Community Midwives

        52:54 What He Has Learned From Community Midwives

        56:00 Longest Second Stage

        57:34 On Being Sued After a Uterine Rupture

        59:50 Processing Trauma After a Uterine Rupture & Fetal Demise

        01:03:43 On Advocating for His Patients

        01:05:47 Advice: Reversing VBAC Bans

        01:07:26 Four Pillars of VBAC Success

        01:10:16 Parents: Most Important Thing for Them to Consider

        01:11:11 A Message for Physicians Who Don't Attend VBAC

        01:12:26 Message to Hospital Administrators with VBAC Bans

        Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

        Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

        Instagram: @prod.analogue

        Email Dr. Chris Stroud: drstroud@myfmcc.com

        • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
        • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
        • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
        • Home - International Cesarean Awareness Network - Learn more about ICAN's April 21, 2025 Q&A with Jen Kamel
        • WARM | Washington Alliance for Responsible Midwifery | Birth is the most fundamental human rights issue. Safe and successful childbirth options are the strong foundation upon which every healthy society grows. - Register for the April 24 - 26, 2025 WARM Conference in Wenatchee, Washington and attend Jen's 3 hour training,]]>Heard no one supports VBAC? Simply not true. Join Dr. Chris Stroud OB/GYN of Fort Wayne, Indiana has he considers his 30 year career and shares why offering VBAC is so important to him, including his reasoning for supporting community midwives who attend home and birth center VBAC.

          We discuss the concept of "acceptable complications," which may provide some insight as to why many OBs in the United States recommend repeat cesareans for everyone regardless of their medical history, their current clinical scenario, or VBAC candidacy.

          He also shares his vulnerable and authentic reflections on being sued after a uterine rupture related fetal demise and why he continues to attend VBACs. Key topics covered include his practice's secret sauce, how working with community midwives has made him a better obstetrician, what he calls the four pillars of VBAC success, and a special message for physicians who don't attend VBAC and hospital administrators who maintain VBAC bans.

          00:00 Upcoming VBAC Facts® Events

          01:35 Join Our Email List to Learn More About VBAC

          02:16 How To Book Jen to Speak at Your Next Event

          03:01 What We Will Talk About Today

          08:24 When VBACs Were Required

          13:21 His VBAC Philosophy

          14:39 Why His Believes Offering VBAC is Important

          16:28 How He Counsels Patients on VBAC vs Repeat Cesarean

          19:19 The Concept of "Acceptable Complications"

          24:06 Avoiding VBAC Bait & Switch

          26:46 Does He Worry About VBAC Safety?

          28:27 When He Induces Planned VBACs

          30:06 What "Immediately Available" Means to Him

          31:16 Why Aren't All Hospitals Attending VBAC?

          33:53 On Not Giving Up

          35:48 Voting with Your Feet

          36:55 Administrative, Hospital, & Legal Challenges

          40:23 Don't Leave Those with Primary Cesareans in the Dust

          42:32 Questions for Non-VBAC Providers

          45:42 It's the Lawsuit

          47:37 His Practice's Secret Sauce

          50:47 On Collaborating with Community Midwives

          52:54 What He Has Learned From Community Midwives

          56:00 Longest Second Stage

          57:34 On Being Sued After a Uterine Rupture

          59:50 Processing Trauma After a Uterine Rupture & Fetal Demise

          01:03:43 On Advocating for His Patients

          01:05:47 Advice: Reversing VBAC Bans

          01:07:26 Four Pillars of VBAC Success

          01:10:16 Parents: Most Important Thing for Them to Consider

          01:11:11 A Message for Physicians Who Don't Attend VBAC

          01:12:26 Message to Hospital Administrators with VBAC Bans

          Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

          Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

          Instagram: @prod.analogue

          Email Dr. Chris Stroud: drstroud@myfmcc.com

          • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
          • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
          • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
          • Home - International Cesarean Awareness Network - Learn more about ICAN's April 21, 2025 Q&A with Jen Kamel
          • WARM | Washington Alliance for Responsible Midwifery | Birth is the most fundamental human rights issue. Safe and successful childbirth options are the strong foundation upon which every healthy society grows. - Register for the April 24 - 26, 2025 WARM Conference in Wenatchee, Washington and attend Jen's 3 hour training, "The VBAC Imperative: How to Improve VBAC Access and Outcomes While Decreasing Litigation Risk"
          • Learn more about VBAC telemedicine with Dr Chris Stroud: Fertility & Midwifery Care Center - Fertility & Midwifery Birth Center
          • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
          • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
          • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
          • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
          
          ]]>d134c700-6d5e-4678-a09d-492b5dbbf2c1Fri, 18 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -080001:16:28falsefull1313E12 Jen Kamel's interview on All Things Women's Health with Dr. Chris StroudWhy does VBAC access matter and how does the concept of "acceptable risk" influence how some physicians view cesarean versus VBAC complications?

          Learn that and more when VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel is interviewed on "All Things Women's Health" with Dr. Chris Stroud.

          She will share the impact of her births on her life, what it was like to experience a contraction for the first time, why it is so important for people to have access to VBAC after one cesarean, and her favorite VBAC myth.

          They also discuss recovery from a cesarean versus a vaginal birth, how shifts in physician employment can impact VBAC access, as well as what makes a cesarean hysterectomy different than a hysterectomy in the absence of pregnancy.

          Plus, Jen responds to some reader comments on episode 11 where we discussed a community's 10 year fight against a VBAC ban. This episode provides valuable insights for parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in women's health and birthing options.

          • 01:26 Reader Comments: Episode 11
          • 11:07 Dr. Chris Stroud introduces Jen
          • 13:38 Jen's Story
          • 17:17 Baby is Transverse, What Now?
          • 24:12 The Time Before Social Media
          • 25:15 VBAC vs. Cesarean Postpartum
          • 26:50 Abdominal Hysterectomy vs. C-Section
          • 28:37 Why Jen Founded VBAC Facts®
          • 31:40 "Acceptable Risk"
          • 36:56 Getting into Medical Research
          • 43:43 Misquoting Research
          • 47:03 One Prior Cesarean is Not High Risk
          • 47:46 Why Does Birth Experience Matter?
          • 53:08 Transformation Through Birth
          • 54:36 Where is VBAC Headed?
          • 56:40 Shift of Physician Employment
          • 01:02:48 What is a C-Section Hysterectomy?
          • 01:05:34 Pregnant After One Cesarean? This is Your Best Shot
          • 01:10:16 Favorite VBAC Myth
          • 01:12:22 Advice for Parents, Nurses, and Providers
          
          

          Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

          Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

          Instagram: @prod.analogue

          • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
          • E7 40+ VBAC Myths Busted! Plus Hospital VBA2C After Uterine Defect - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
          • "Three times the risk?:" What the large Canadian VBAC study really says | VBAC Facts®
          • 13 persistent myths about vaginal birth after cesarean | VBAC Facts®
          • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
          • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
          • International Cesarean Awareness Network
          • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
          • Sign up for your copy of the Uterine Rupture Report! | VBAC Facts®
          • The Truth About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Educational Course for Parents
          • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
          • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the...]]>Why does VBAC access matter and how does the concept of "acceptable risk" influence how some physicians view cesarean versus VBAC complications?

            Learn that and more when VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel is interviewed on "All Things Women's Health" with Dr. Chris Stroud.

            She will share the impact of her births on her life, what it was like to experience a contraction for the first time, why it is so important for people to have access to VBAC after one cesarean, and her favorite VBAC myth.

            They also discuss recovery from a cesarean versus a vaginal birth, how shifts in physician employment can impact VBAC access, as well as what makes a cesarean hysterectomy different than a hysterectomy in the absence of pregnancy.

            Plus, Jen responds to some reader comments on episode 11 where we discussed a community's 10 year fight against a VBAC ban. This episode provides valuable insights for parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in women's health and birthing options.

            • 01:26 Reader Comments: Episode 11
            • 11:07 Dr. Chris Stroud introduces Jen
            • 13:38 Jen's Story
            • 17:17 Baby is Transverse, What Now?
            • 24:12 The Time Before Social Media
            • 25:15 VBAC vs. Cesarean Postpartum
            • 26:50 Abdominal Hysterectomy vs. C-Section
            • 28:37 Why Jen Founded VBAC Facts®
            • 31:40 "Acceptable Risk"
            • 36:56 Getting into Medical Research
            • 43:43 Misquoting Research
            • 47:03 One Prior Cesarean is Not High Risk
            • 47:46 Why Does Birth Experience Matter?
            • 53:08 Transformation Through Birth
            • 54:36 Where is VBAC Headed?
            • 56:40 Shift of Physician Employment
            • 01:02:48 What is a C-Section Hysterectomy?
            • 01:05:34 Pregnant After One Cesarean? This is Your Best Shot
            • 01:10:16 Favorite VBAC Myth
            • 01:12:22 Advice for Parents, Nurses, and Providers
            
            

            Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

            Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

            Instagram: @prod.analogue

            • Downloadable Checklist: The 5 Simple Steps to Planning a VBAC | VBAC Facts®
            • E7 40+ VBAC Myths Busted! Plus Hospital VBA2C After Uterine Defect - The VBAC Facts® Podcast - Apple Podcasts
            • "Three times the risk?:" What the large Canadian VBAC study really says | VBAC Facts®
            • 13 persistent myths about vaginal birth after cesarean | VBAC Facts®
            • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
            • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
            • International Cesarean Awareness Network
            • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
            • Sign up for your copy of the Uterine Rupture Report! | VBAC Facts®
            • The Truth About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Educational Course for Parents
            • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
            • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
            • Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
            
            ]]>00d18ac7-d49a-4f05-bb9b-373fc5971d3cFri, 04 Apr 2025 02:00:00 -080001:16:29falsefull1212E11 A Community’s 10 Year Fight Against a Hospital VBAC Ban with Anastasia StoneWhat do you do when your local hospital bans vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and leads people to believe that their only option there is a repeat cesarean? What about when they start to withhold pain relief to anyone who "insists" on laboring after a cesarean? When this happened in Santa Barbara, California, local activists and mothers took action. Come learn what is possible when you know the facts, know your rights, don't comply and be persistent. It's a lesson from a small beachy town that can be applied to so many other social issues. Sit down with VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel and birth activist Anastasia Stone as Anastasia shares her community's 10 year journey to reverse a VBAC ban and ensure everyone had access to respectful, evidence based care. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
            • 01:56 How She Got Involved with Birth Work
            • 02:50 Creating Relationships, Building Bridges
            • 06:56 "Everyone Gets an Epidural." Why?
            • 11:03 The Hospital Banned VBAC Because...
            • 11:58 Educate the Community
            • 18:02 Refusing a Cesarean at a VBAC Ban Hospital
            • 19:31 Pushback: Denying People Epidurals
            • 27:30 Most Effective Strategies
            • 31:53 Free Resources
            • 32:47 Biggest Challenges
            • 36:35 When the VBAC Ban was Reversed
            • 38:25 What Every Provider Should Do
            • 40:33 The Worst Place to Labor
            • 41:23 "Just Find Another Provider?"
            • 43:28 Research on Provider Preference
            • 45:25 "But My Doctor Won't Let Me"
            • 47:50 "Wow, Something's Got to Change"
            • 50:49 What She Wishes She Knew at the Beginning
            • 52:16 Our Kids Are Watching Us
            • 53:53 Know Your Sphere of Influence
            • 56:17 Advice for Reversing VBAC Bans
            • 57:58 What Birth Professionals Should Know About Reversing VBAC Bans
            
            

            Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

            Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

            Instagram: @prod.analogue

            • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
            • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
            • Sign up for your copy of the VBAC Planning Checklist! | VBAC Facts®
            • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
            • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
            • Metz (2013). How do good candidates for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) who undergo elective repeat cesarean differ from those who choose TOLAC? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology - PubMed
            • Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Reverses Stance on VBACs, July 14, 2022 - The Santa Barbara Independent
            • Protest Over Cottage Hospital's VBAC Ban, March 19, 2017 - The Santa Barbara Independent
            • International Cesarean Awareness Network
            • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
            • VBAC Facts® Professional]]>What do you do when your local hospital bans vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and leads people to believe that their only option there is a repeat cesarean? What about when they start to withhold pain relief to anyone who "insists" on laboring after a cesarean? When this happened in Santa Barbara, California, local activists and mothers took action. Come learn what is possible when you know the facts, know your rights, don't comply and be persistent. It's a lesson from a small beachy town that can be applied to so many other social issues. Sit down with VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel and birth activist Anastasia Stone as Anastasia shares her community's 10 year journey to reverse a VBAC ban and ensure everyone had access to respectful, evidence based care. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
              • 01:56 How She Got Involved with Birth Work
              • 02:50 Creating Relationships, Building Bridges
              • 06:56 "Everyone Gets an Epidural." Why?
              • 11:03 The Hospital Banned VBAC Because...
              • 11:58 Educate the Community
              • 18:02 Refusing a Cesarean at a VBAC Ban Hospital
              • 19:31 Pushback: Denying People Epidurals
              • 27:30 Most Effective Strategies
              • 31:53 Free Resources
              • 32:47 Biggest Challenges
              • 36:35 When the VBAC Ban was Reversed
              • 38:25 What Every Provider Should Do
              • 40:33 The Worst Place to Labor
              • 41:23 "Just Find Another Provider?"
              • 43:28 Research on Provider Preference
              • 45:25 "But My Doctor Won't Let Me"
              • 47:50 "Wow, Something's Got to Change"
              • 50:49 What She Wishes She Knew at the Beginning
              • 52:16 Our Kids Are Watching Us
              • 53:53 Know Your Sphere of Influence
              • 56:17 Advice for Reversing VBAC Bans
              • 57:58 What Birth Professionals Should Know About Reversing VBAC Bans
              
              

              Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

              Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

              Instagram: @prod.analogue

              • Downloadable Report: Top 5 Uterine Rupture Myths Debunked Once and For All | VBAC Facts®
              • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
              • Sign up for your copy of the VBAC Planning Checklist! | VBAC Facts®
              • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
              • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
              • Metz (2013). How do good candidates for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) who undergo elective repeat cesarean differ from those who choose TOLAC? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology - PubMed
              • Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Reverses Stance on VBACs, July 14, 2022 - The Santa Barbara Independent
              • Protest Over Cottage Hospital's VBAC Ban, March 19, 2017 - The Santa Barbara Independent
              • International Cesarean Awareness Network
              • Sign up for your copy of the Top Three VBAC Myths! | VBAC Facts®
              • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
              
              ]]>8ed5485d-7b18-4e5d-aa61-087c6f04a6b3Fri, 21 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -080001:00:23falsefull1111E10 A Midwife Attended Hospital VBA2C with Gestational Diabetes and Suspected Big Baby with Laura StimsonLess than 3% of people labor after two cesareans in the US. Laura Stimson was one of those people. After having her first cesarean for twins and an elective repeat cesarean during COVID, she really wanted to experience a vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C). A chance conversation with a midwife at a dinner party opened her eyes to what was possible. She learned that hospital midwives in her area of Downriver Detroit, Michigan attended VBA2C and made her plan. Laura shares with us what she learned along the way as she navigated gestational diabetes and a suspected big baby including her top tips for parents, what she wishes she knew, and how her births transformed not only how she viewed herself and her body, but how she engages with healthcare. She says, "After 2 caesareans (which I never wanted) I was finally able to have a successful VBA2C! I would love to share my journey, ups and downs, and how I finally was listened too!" There is power in sharing our birth stories. Join us for Laura's.

              Want to suggest a guest we should interview, topic we should discuss, or share your birth story? You can at https://vbacfacts.com/podcast!

              Source for 3% statistic: Dombrowski, M., Illuzzi, J. L., Reddy, U. M., et al. (2020). Trial of labor after two prior cesarean deliveries: patient and hospital characteristics and birth outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(1), pp.109-117.

              Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

              Instagram: @prod.analogue

              • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
              • What is the Evidence for Induction or C-section for a Big Baby? | Evidence Based Birth®
              • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
              • Dombrowski, M., Illuzzi, J. L., Reddy, U. M., et al. (2020). Trial of labor after two prior cesarean deliveries: patient and hospital characteristics and birth outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(1), pp.109-117.
              • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
              • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
              
              ]]>Less than 3% of people labor after two cesareans in the US. Laura Stimson was one of those people. After having her first cesarean for twins and an elective repeat cesarean during COVID, she really wanted to experience a vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C). A chance conversation with a midwife at a dinner party opened her eyes to what was possible. She learned that hospital midwives in her area of Downriver Detroit, Michigan attended VBA2C and made her plan. Laura shares with us what she learned along the way as she navigated gestational diabetes and a suspected big baby including her top tips for parents, what she wishes she knew, and how her births transformed not only how she viewed herself and her body, but how she engages with healthcare. She says, "After 2 caesareans (which I never wanted) I was finally able to have a successful VBA2C! I would love to share my journey, ups and downs, and how I finally was listened too!" There is power in sharing our birth stories. Join us for Laura's.

              Want to suggest a guest we should interview, topic we should discuss, or share your birth story? You can at https://vbacfacts.com/podcast!

              Source for 3% statistic: Dombrowski, M., Illuzzi, J. L., Reddy, U. M., et al. (2020). Trial of labor after two prior cesarean deliveries: patient and hospital characteristics and birth outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(1), pp.109-117.

              Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

              Instagram: @prod.analogue

              • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
              • What is the Evidence for Induction or C-section for a Big Baby? | Evidence Based Birth®
              • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
              • Dombrowski, M., Illuzzi, J. L., Reddy, U. M., et al. (2020). Trial of labor after two prior cesarean deliveries: patient and hospital characteristics and birth outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(1), pp.109-117.
              • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
              • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
              
              ]]>d8af1fe5-9816-4040-afe3-112ce17b9fb9Fri, 07 Mar 2025 02:00:00 -080043:56falsefull1010E9 Navigating Medical Mistrust with Amber Vayo PhD + Alberta, Canada Hospital VBA2C After CPDWhat causes someone to distrust the medical system? What impact does that have on public health? Join Dr. Amber Vayo PhD, a maternal health and politics researcher, as she answers those questions and so much more. Dr. Vayo shares insights on the role of trust, the impact of institutional betrayal, and the significance of listening to women's experiences. The discussion highlights various facets of medical mistrust, the importance of soft skills for clinicians, and how the healthcare system can improve by better addressing grievances. Plus Jen shares a victorious hospital VBA2C story after CPD from Emilie in Alberta, Canada.

              Watch for Dr. Vayo's upcoming book "Birthzillas and Madwives: The Politics of Childbirth" at a store near you and listen to her podcast, Birthzillas: The Podcast.

              Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

              Resources Mentioned

              • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
              • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
              • The Truth About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Educational Course for Parents
              • State Medical Boards: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
              • How to File a Complaint for Obstetric Violence or Mistreatment in Birth - Birth Monopoly
              • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
              
              

              Made with Descript!

              Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

              Instagram: @prod.analogue

              ]]>What causes someone to distrust the medical system? What impact does that have on public health? Join Dr. Amber Vayo PhD, a maternal health and politics researcher, as she answers those questions and so much more. Dr. Vayo shares insights on the role of trust, the impact of institutional betrayal, and the significance of listening to women's experiences. The discussion highlights various facets of medical mistrust, the importance of soft skills for clinicians, and how the healthcare system can improve by better addressing grievances. Plus Jen shares a victorious hospital VBA2C story after CPD from Emilie in Alberta, Canada.

              Watch for Dr. Vayo's upcoming book "Birthzillas and Madwives: The Politics of Childbirth" at a store near you and listen to her podcast, Birthzillas: The Podcast.

              Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

              Resources Mentioned

              • Consulting for Parents, Professionals, Legal & Policy Teams │ VBAC Facts®
              • Professional Speaking with Jen Kamel │ VBAC Facts®
              • The Truth About Vaginal Birth After Cesarean™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Educational Course for Parents
              • State Medical Boards: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
              • How to File a Complaint for Obstetric Violence or Mistreatment in Birth - Birth Monopoly
              • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership | VBAC Facts® Continuing Education
              
              

              Made with Descript!

              Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

              Instagram: @prod.analogue

              ]]>39a0ca38-51b1-481b-b5af-b161280ad60cFri, 21 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -080045:38falsefull99E8 Vaginal Birth After Two Cesareans (VBA2C): Stories, Evidence, and InsightsIf you think VBA2C is dangerous or no one "allows" them, you would be wrong. Join VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel in this discussion of the feasibility and evidence surrounding VBA2C. Drawing from real-life birth stories, Jen emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and patient autonomy, psychological implications, and the risks associated with multiple repeat cesareans. The episode also reviews recent studies (including twins after two cesareans!), ethical considerations, and the challenges faced by those seeking VBA2C. Whether you are a parent or a birth professional, this comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights and resources to support informed and ethical health care.

              Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

              Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

              Instagram: @prod.analogue

              ]]>If you think VBA2C is dangerous or no one "allows" them, you would be wrong. Join VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel in this discussion of the feasibility and evidence surrounding VBA2C. Drawing from real-life birth stories, Jen emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and patient autonomy, psychological implications, and the risks associated with multiple repeat cesareans. The episode also reviews recent studies (including twins after two cesareans!), ethical considerations, and the challenges faced by those seeking VBA2C. Whether you are a parent or a birth professional, this comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights and resources to support informed and ethical health care.

              Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

              Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

              Instagram: @prod.analogue

              ]]>d7b90608-6598-480f-bbe6-9c692cbe502dFri, 07 Feb 2025 02:00:00 -080001:09:51falsefull88E7 40+ VBAC Myths Busted! Plus Hospital VBA2C After Uterine DefectThere are too many myths about VBAC to count. Good thing we give the top 40 a quick smashing in this episode. VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel highlights critical information about VBAC safety, risks, and the support provided by national health organizations. She addresses common misconceptions about uterine rupture, perinatal and maternal mortality, midwives, and the risks associated with repeat cesareans. The episode features emails from listeners sharing their experiences including a reader who had a hospital vaginal birth after two cesareans and a uterine defect discovered during her first cesarean. Jen emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, patient autonomy, and the role of evidence-based practices in improving VBAC outcomes.

              Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

              Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

              Instagram: @prod.analogue

              Learn more:

              • Professional Speaking & Continuing Education Training with Jen Kamel- VBAC Facts®
              • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
              • O'Neill, S. M., Agerbo, E., Khashan, A. S., et al. (2017). Trial of labour after caesarean section and the risk of neonatal and infant death: a nationwide cohort study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 17(1).
              • Vandenberghe, G., Bloemenkamp, K., Berlage, S., et al. (2018). The International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems study of uterine rupture: a descriptive multi-country population-based study. BJOG.
              • Is VBAC illegal? Is homebirth illegal? - VBAC Facts® Article
              • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
              • Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
              • Single vs Double Layer Suturing: Is One Method Superior? - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
              • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
              • The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
              • What birthing families need to know about vaginal birth after a classical or T/J incision - VBAC Facts® Article
              • Too Bad We Can't Just "Ban" Accreta-The Downstream Consequences of VBAC Bans - VBAC Facts® Article
              • Catastrophic uterine rupture: The risk of fetal death during planned VBAC - VBAC Facts® Article
              • Landon, M. (2004). Maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with a trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery. The New England Journal of Medicine, 351(25), 2581-2589.
              • Birth intervals & uterine rupture aka how long to wait to VBAC - VBAC Facts® Article
              • VBAC...]]>There are too many myths about VBAC to count. Good thing we give the top 40 a quick smashing in this episode. VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel highlights critical information about VBAC safety, risks, and the support provided by national health organizations. She addresses common misconceptions about uterine rupture, perinatal and maternal mortality, midwives, and the risks associated with repeat cesareans. The episode features emails from listeners sharing their experiences including a reader who had a hospital vaginal birth after two cesareans and a uterine defect discovered during her first cesarean. Jen emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, patient autonomy, and the role of evidence-based practices in improving VBAC outcomes.

                Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

                Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                Instagram: @prod.analogue

                Learn more:

                • Professional Speaking & Continuing Education Training with Jen Kamel- VBAC Facts®
                • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families | VBAC Facts® Course for Parents
                • O'Neill, S. M., Agerbo, E., Khashan, A. S., et al. (2017). Trial of labour after caesarean section and the risk of neonatal and infant death: a nationwide cohort study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 17(1).
                • Vandenberghe, G., Bloemenkamp, K., Berlage, S., et al. (2018). The International Network of Obstetric Survey Systems study of uterine rupture: a descriptive multi-country population-based study. BJOG.
                • Is VBAC illegal? Is homebirth illegal? - VBAC Facts® Article
                • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                • Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                • Single vs Double Layer Suturing: Is One Method Superior? - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                • The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                • What birthing families need to know about vaginal birth after a classical or T/J incision - VBAC Facts® Article
                • Too Bad We Can't Just "Ban" Accreta-The Downstream Consequences of VBAC Bans - VBAC Facts® Article
                • Catastrophic uterine rupture: The risk of fetal death during planned VBAC - VBAC Facts® Article
                • Landon, M. (2004). Maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with a trial of labor after prior cesarean delivery. The New England Journal of Medicine, 351(25), 2581-2589.
                • Birth intervals & uterine rupture aka how long to wait to VBAC - VBAC Facts® Article
                • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership - The most comprehensive VBAC curriculum for birth professionals
                • "Hospitals offering VBAC are required to have 24/7 anesthesia" is false - VBAC Facts® Article
                • Vaginal birth after classical incision: The true story behind the 4-9% uterine rupture rate - VBAC Facts® Article
                • The Truth About VBAC™ Fetal Monitoring - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                • Decoding Classical, T/J, and Low Vertical VBAC: Navigating Limited Knowledge and Unknown Risk - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                • The Truth About VBAC™ Induction: How to Decrease Uterine Rupture Risk and Maximize VBAC Odds - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                • Decoding Maternal Deaths: Why Birthing People Die and How We Can Turn the Tide - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                • "How to Keep House While Drowning" by KC Davis - Purchasing through this link will support a Black-owned bookstore
                • Consulting - VBAC Facts®
                • California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative Toolkits
                
                ]]>3c5e0d29-3731-415e-b095-8ef5028451a8Fri, 24 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -080057:37falsefull77E6 Decoding the VBAC Calculator: Science, Bias, and Decision MakingThink the VBAC calculator is rooted in solid medical evidence? This episode with VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel dives into the accuracy and impact of VBAC calculators. Jen discusses a variety of factors influencing predicted VBAC odds as well as actual VBAC rates, including race, BMI, reason for prior cesarean, bias, provider preference, and VBAC bans. Key research, such as Harris 2019, Nguyen 2020, and most recently Ledbetter 2024, reveal that VBAC calculators often underpredict VBAC odds. Hear lived experiences from readers and the challenges they face with the application of these calculators. Learn more about the strengths and limitations of VBAC calculators and their impact on informed decision-making in birthing choices.
                • 00:22 Introduction to VBAC Calculators
                • 02:30 Study Questions VBAC Accuracy: Harris 2019
                • 05:47 The Role of a Prior Failure to Progress (FTP) Cesarean
                • 07:31 ACOG's Labor Arrest/ FTP Definitions
                • 09:48 On Calibrating VBAC Calculators Before Use
                • 11:19 Impact of Race & Racism on VBAC Odds
                • 14:59 Readers Share Their VBAC Calculator Experiences
                • 19:27 BMI, Bias, and VBAC Calculators
                • 21:20 Limitations and Misuse of VBAC Calculators
                • 26:13 VBAC Calculator Latinx Accuracy: Nguyen 2020
                • 27:36 VBAC Calculator Hispanic BMI Accuracy: Ledbetter 2024
                • 33:50 BMI & the VBAC Calculator: A Reader's Story
                • 39:17 Relevant Factors the VBAC Calculator Doesn't Consider
                • 40:53 ACOG: Recruit me for the VBAC Practice Bulletin Committee
                • 42:27 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Use the VBAC Calculator
                • 43:06 Final Thoughts and Resources
                
                

                Mentioned on the show

                • Read the companion article, see the first three VBAC calculators, and download the handout for this episode.
                • Birth Monopoly's How to File A Complaint for Mistreatment in Maternity Care.
                • The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Network VBAC calculator.
                • "In an effort to reduce the number of primary cesareans, ACOG released new labor arrest definitions in 2014." American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. (2014). Safe prevention of the primary cesarean delivery. Obstetric Care Consensus No. 1. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 123, 693-711.
                • Collins, J. W., David, R. J., Handler, A., et al. (2004). Very low birthweight in African American infants: The role of maternal exposure to interpersonal racial discrimination. American Journal of Public Health, 94(12), 2132-2138.
                • Harris, B. S., Heine, P. H., Park, J., Faurot, K., Hopkins, M., Rivara, A., . . . Jelovsek, E. (2019). Are prediction models for vaginal birth after cesarean accurate? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 220, 492.e1-7.
                • Ledbetter, A., Wandtke Herrmann, T., Lupa, K., & Graupe, M. (2024). Observed Versus Predicted Vaginal Birth After Cesarean for Patients of a Community Health Center. Journal of Midwifery & Women's...]]>Think the VBAC calculator is rooted in solid medical evidence? This episode with VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel dives into the accuracy and impact of VBAC calculators. Jen discusses a variety of factors influencing predicted VBAC odds as well as actual VBAC rates, including race, BMI, reason for prior cesarean, bias, provider preference, and VBAC bans. Key research, such as Harris 2019, Nguyen 2020, and most recently Ledbetter 2024, reveal that VBAC calculators often underpredict VBAC odds. Hear lived experiences from readers and the challenges they face with the application of these calculators. Learn more about the strengths and limitations of VBAC calculators and their impact on informed decision-making in birthing choices.
                  • 00:22 Introduction to VBAC Calculators
                  • 02:30 Study Questions VBAC Accuracy: Harris 2019
                  • 05:47 The Role of a Prior Failure to Progress (FTP) Cesarean
                  • 07:31 ACOG's Labor Arrest/ FTP Definitions
                  • 09:48 On Calibrating VBAC Calculators Before Use
                  • 11:19 Impact of Race & Racism on VBAC Odds
                  • 14:59 Readers Share Their VBAC Calculator Experiences
                  • 19:27 BMI, Bias, and VBAC Calculators
                  • 21:20 Limitations and Misuse of VBAC Calculators
                  • 26:13 VBAC Calculator Latinx Accuracy: Nguyen 2020
                  • 27:36 VBAC Calculator Hispanic BMI Accuracy: Ledbetter 2024
                  • 33:50 BMI & the VBAC Calculator: A Reader's Story
                  • 39:17 Relevant Factors the VBAC Calculator Doesn't Consider
                  • 40:53 ACOG: Recruit me for the VBAC Practice Bulletin Committee
                  • 42:27 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Use the VBAC Calculator
                  • 43:06 Final Thoughts and Resources
                  
                  

                  Mentioned on the show

                  • Read the companion article, see the first three VBAC calculators, and download the handout for this episode.
                  • Birth Monopoly's How to File A Complaint for Mistreatment in Maternity Care.
                  • The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Network VBAC calculator.
                  • "In an effort to reduce the number of primary cesareans, ACOG released new labor arrest definitions in 2014." American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. (2014). Safe prevention of the primary cesarean delivery. Obstetric Care Consensus No. 1. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 123, 693-711.
                  • Collins, J. W., David, R. J., Handler, A., et al. (2004). Very low birthweight in African American infants: The role of maternal exposure to interpersonal racial discrimination. American Journal of Public Health, 94(12), 2132-2138.
                  • Harris, B. S., Heine, P. H., Park, J., Faurot, K., Hopkins, M., Rivara, A., . . . Jelovsek, E. (2019). Are prediction models for vaginal birth after cesarean accurate? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 220, 492.e1-7.
                  • Ledbetter, A., Wandtke Herrmann, T., Lupa, K., & Graupe, M. (2024). Observed Versus Predicted Vaginal Birth After Cesarean for Patients of a Community Health Center. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health.
                  • Metz, T. D., Stoddard, G. J., Henry, E., et al. (2013). How do good candidates for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) who undergo elective repeat cesarean differ from those who choose TOLAC? American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 208(6), 458.e1-6.
                  • Nguyen, M. T., Hayes-Bautista, T. M., Hsu, P., Bragg, C., Chopin, I., & Shaw, K. J. (2020). Applying a Prediction Model for Vaginal Birth after Cesarean to a Latina Inner-City Population. American Journal of Perinatology Reports, 10(02), e148-e154.
                  • "One study reported that half of those who had a cesarean for FTP after labor induction were not even 6 centimeters." Zhang, J., Troendle, J., Reddy, U.,et al. (2010). Contemporary cesarean delivery practice in the United States. The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 203(4), 326.e1-326.e10.
                  • The Truth About VBAC™ for Families
                  • The Truth About VBAC™ for Professionals
                  • VBAC Facts® Professional Membership
                  • VBAC Facts® Speaking: Schedule an in-person training in your community
                  • VBAC Facts® Consulting: Schedule a consulting call with Jen
                  
                  

                  Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

                  Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                  Instagram: @prod.analogue

                  ]]>d2ccea0c-5005-4000-8004-10fb7c6034afFri, 10 Jan 2025 02:00:00 -080047:11falsefull66E5 Autonomy, Authority, Coercion & Consent: Who Decides in Maternity Care?People are shocked when they learn that the American College of OB/GYN (ACOG) says that women and pregnant people have the final say in medical decision making. Jen Kamel, founder of VBAC Facts®, discusses the principles of informed decision making in the context of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) versus repeat cesarean. Emphasizing the ethical obligations in healthcare, Jen explores ACOG's Committee Opinion on respecting a pregnant woman's autonomy and decision-making rights. Real-life testimonials from petite readers who had successful VBACs highlight the possibilities and challenge common misconceptions. The episode also addresses ethical dilemmas, coercion, and the importance of respectful and supportive communication between healthcare providers and birthing people, especially when recommended treatments are refused.

                  Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

                  VBAC Facts® resources

                  • Petite readers share their VBAC story on Facebook and Instagram
                  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2016). Refusal of medically recommended treatment during pregnancy. Committee Opinion No. 664. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127, e175-82.
                  • Article: Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence
                  • Article: Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence
                  • VBAC Facts® professional membership: where we house a library of continuing education trainings including The Truth About VBAC™ for Professionals, The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty, and The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes.
                  • Our course for people with prior cesarean(s): "The Truth About VBAC™for Families"
                  • Schedule an in-person training in your community
                  • Schedule a consulting call with Jen
                  
                  

                  Studies mentioned

                  • "One study found that over half of the people who had a cesarean for FTP, failure to progress, were not six centimeters, which is one of the criteria they need to meet in order to receive that diagnosis." Zhang, J., Troendle, J., Reddy, U.,et al. (2010). Contemporary cesarean delivery practice in the United States. The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 203(4), 326.e1-326.e10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20708166
                  
                  

                  Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                  Instagram: @prod.analogue

                  VBAC, VBAC Facts, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, ACOG, Birth...]]>People are shocked when they learn that the American College of OB/GYN (ACOG) says that women and pregnant people have the final say in medical decision making. Jen Kamel, founder of VBAC Facts®, discusses the principles of informed decision making in the context of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) versus repeat cesarean. Emphasizing the ethical obligations in healthcare, Jen explores ACOG's Committee Opinion on respecting a pregnant woman's autonomy and decision-making rights. Real-life testimonials from petite readers who had successful VBACs highlight the possibilities and challenge common misconceptions. The episode also addresses ethical dilemmas, coercion, and the importance of respectful and supportive communication between healthcare providers and birthing people, especially when recommended treatments are refused.

                  Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

                  VBAC Facts® resources

                  • Petite readers share their VBAC story on Facebook and Instagram
                  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2016). Refusal of medically recommended treatment during pregnancy. Committee Opinion No. 664. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127, e175-82.
                  • Article: Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence
                  • Article: Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence
                  • VBAC Facts® professional membership: where we house a library of continuing education trainings including The Truth About VBAC™ for Professionals, The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty, and The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes.
                  • Our course for people with prior cesarean(s): "The Truth About VBAC™for Families"
                  • Schedule an in-person training in your community
                  • Schedule a consulting call with Jen
                  
                  

                  Studies mentioned

                  • "One study found that over half of the people who had a cesarean for FTP, failure to progress, were not six centimeters, which is one of the criteria they need to meet in order to receive that diagnosis." Zhang, J., Troendle, J., Reddy, U.,et al. (2010). Contemporary cesarean delivery practice in the United States. The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 203(4), 326.e1-326.e10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20708166
                  
                  

                  Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                  Instagram: @prod.analogue

                  VBAC, VBAC Facts, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, ACOG, Birth Education, Pregnancy Care, Birth Rights, The VBAC Facts Podcast, Informed Refusal, Informed Consent, Maternal Health, Childbirth Education, Healthcare, Birth, Women's Health, Cesarean Section, Failure to Progress, FTP Diagnosis, Childbirth, Labor and Delivery, Medical Studies, Birth Stories, Jen Kamel, Pregnancy, Maternity Care

                  ]]>60795a45-4e2d-4214-8718-835d286b194aFri, 27 Dec 2024 03:45:00 -080001:11:16falsefull55E4 The Rules About VBAC (Part 2): A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen KamelYou might be surprised to read what the US national guidelines actually say about VBAC. Join Jen Kamel, founder & CEO of VBAC Facts®, as she delves deep into the American College of OB/GYN's VBAC guidelines. The episode covers a range of topics including external cephalic version, epidurals, VBAC in rural hospitals, and who makes the ultimate decision regarding mode of birth. Jen provides a detailed analysis of the guidelines and emphasizes informed decision-making, patient autonomy, and the importance of ethical practices in maternal care. She also highlights the role of continuous fetal monitoring, managing complications, and the significance of sharing accurate information among clinicians and patients.

                  00:41 External Cephalic Version (ECV)

                  02:05 Pain Relief and Epidural Analgesia

                  03:29 Diagnosing Uterine Rupture

                  06:01 Manual Uterine Exploration and Dehiscence

                  07:59 VBAC After Uterine Rupture

                  09:21 Counseling After Previous Cesarean

                  12:03 VBAC in Rural Hospitals

                  28:11 Patient Autonomy and Informed Decision Making

                  43:45 Conclusion and Summary of Recommendations

                  Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

                  VBAC Facts® resources

                  • Article: New study reveals surprising truths about the VBAC calculator: https://vbacfacts.com/2020/02/24/new-research-vbac-calculators/
                  • Article: Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence
                  
                  

                  VBAC Facts® trainings

                  • VBAC Facts® professional membership: where we house a library of continuing education trainings including The Truth About VBAC™ Fetal Monitoring, The Truth About VBAC™ for Professionals, The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty
                  • Schedule an in-person training in your community at https://vbacfacts.com/speaking
                  
                  

                  Studies mentioned

                  • "One study cited about only 4 percent of uterine ruptures are associated with an intrauterine loss of pressure:" Nahum, G. G. (2016). Uterine Rupture in Pregnancy: http://reference.medscape.com/article/275854-overview
                  • "Dr. Mary Barger's 2013 study looked at all the hospitals in California that have 24 7 anesthesia:" Barger, M. K., Dunn, T. J., Bearman, S., DeLain, M., & Gates, E. (2013). A survey of access to trial of labor in California hospitals in 2012. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 13(83). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3636061/pdf/1471-2393-13-83.pdf
                  
                  

                  Other resources

                  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 205. Vaginal birth after cesarean...]]>You might be surprised to read what the US national guidelines actually say about VBAC. Join Jen Kamel, founder & CEO of VBAC Facts®, as she delves deep into the American College of OB/GYN's VBAC guidelines. The episode covers a range of topics including external cephalic version, epidurals, VBAC in rural hospitals, and who makes the ultimate decision regarding mode of birth. Jen provides a detailed analysis of the guidelines and emphasizes informed decision-making, patient autonomy, and the importance of ethical practices in maternal care. She also highlights the role of continuous fetal monitoring, managing complications, and the significance of sharing accurate information among clinicians and patients.

                    00:41 External Cephalic Version (ECV)

                    02:05 Pain Relief and Epidural Analgesia

                    03:29 Diagnosing Uterine Rupture

                    06:01 Manual Uterine Exploration and Dehiscence

                    07:59 VBAC After Uterine Rupture

                    09:21 Counseling After Previous Cesarean

                    12:03 VBAC in Rural Hospitals

                    28:11 Patient Autonomy and Informed Decision Making

                    43:45 Conclusion and Summary of Recommendations

                    Have a comment or question for the podcast? Want to suggest a guest we should interview or a topic we should discuss? Go to https://vbacfacts.com/podcast to give us your feedback!

                    VBAC Facts® resources

                    • Article: New study reveals surprising truths about the VBAC calculator: https://vbacfacts.com/2020/02/24/new-research-vbac-calculators/
                    • Article: Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence
                    
                    

                    VBAC Facts® trainings

                    • VBAC Facts® professional membership: where we house a library of continuing education trainings including The Truth About VBAC™ Fetal Monitoring, The Truth About VBAC™ for Professionals, The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty
                    • Schedule an in-person training in your community at https://vbacfacts.com/speaking
                    
                    

                    Studies mentioned

                    • "One study cited about only 4 percent of uterine ruptures are associated with an intrauterine loss of pressure:" Nahum, G. G. (2016). Uterine Rupture in Pregnancy: http://reference.medscape.com/article/275854-overview
                    • "Dr. Mary Barger's 2013 study looked at all the hospitals in California that have 24 7 anesthesia:" Barger, M. K., Dunn, T. J., Bearman, S., DeLain, M., & Gates, E. (2013). A survey of access to trial of labor in California hospitals in 2012. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 13(83). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3636061/pdf/1471-2393-13-83.pdf
                    
                    

                    Other resources

                    • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 205. Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133(2), e110-e127.
                    • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2016). Refusal of medically recommended treatment during pregnancy. Committee Opinion No. 664. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127, e175-82. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2016/06/refusal-of-medically-recommended-treatment-during-pregnancy
                    
                    

                    Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                    Instagram: @prod.analogue

                    ]]>63d726ca-3021-45b4-bb48-07d892745402Fri, 13 Dec 2024 03:45:00 -080046:23falsefull44E3 The Rules About VBAC (Part 1): A Deep Dive into US VBAC Guidelines with Jen KamelHeard national guidelines don't support VBAC? Well you heard wrong. Join us for a deep dive into the American College of OBGYN's VBAC guidelines. Join VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel as she explains the significance of these guidelines for anyone birthing in the U.S. or working in healthcare. Jen clears up common misconceptions, highlights the difference between uterine rupture and dehiscence, and stresses the importance of informed decision-making. Tune in to learn more about VBAC's risks, benefits, and the role of different factors, such as BMI and induction, in VBAC outcomes.

                    If you have a question or comment for the podcast, have something positive that has happened in your world relative to VBAC that you'd like us to share on the podcast, or you have a suggestion for an episode topic or a specific person you'd like us to feature on the podcast, click here and let us know!

                    00:21 Understanding ACOG and Its Influence

                    01:43 Decoding ACOG's VBAC Guidelines

                    02:10 Alternative Language for TOLAC

                    04:47 Assessing VBAC Candidacy

                    06:35 Levels of Evidence in ACOG Guidelines

                    09:11 Risks & Benefits of VBAC & Elective Repeat Cesarean

                    11:48 Understanding Uterine Rupture and Uterine Dehiscence

                    14:11 Evaluating Medical Research on VBAC

                    25:31 VBAC Calculators and Prediction Models

                    34:13 Who is Not a VBAC Candidate?

                    51:35 Induction and Augmentation After Cesarean

                    VBAC Facts® resources

                    • Article: How to qualify medical studies: “Three times the risk?:” What the large Canadian VBAC study really says
                    • Article: New study reveals surprising truths about the VBAC calculator
                    • Article: Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence
                    • Article: Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence
                    
                    

                    VBAC Facts® trainings

                    • VBAC Facts® professional membership: where we house a library of continuing education trainings including The Truth About VBAC™ for Professionals, Plus Size VBAC: Odds, Risks, and Realities, The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes, The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty
                    
                    

                    Other resources

                    • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 205. Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133(2), e110-e127.
                    • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2016). Refusal of medically recommended treatment during pregnancy. Committee Opinion No. 664. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127, e175-82.
                    
                    

                    Studies mentioned

                    • 50 percent did not meet the criteria for FTP: Zhang, 2010
                    • BMI provider bias: Heard national guidelines don't support VBAC? Well you heard wrong. Join us for a deep dive into the American College of OBGYN's VBAC guidelines. Join VBAC Facts® Founder Jen Kamel as she explains the significance of these guidelines for anyone birthing in the U.S. or working in healthcare. Jen clears up common misconceptions, highlights the difference between uterine rupture and dehiscence, and stresses the importance of informed decision-making. Tune in to learn more about VBAC's risks, benefits, and the role of different factors, such as BMI and induction, in VBAC outcomes.

                      If you have a question or comment for the podcast, have something positive that has happened in your world relative to VBAC that you'd like us to share on the podcast, or you have a suggestion for an episode topic or a specific person you'd like us to feature on the podcast, click here and let us know!

                      00:21 Understanding ACOG and Its Influence

                      01:43 Decoding ACOG's VBAC Guidelines

                      02:10 Alternative Language for TOLAC

                      04:47 Assessing VBAC Candidacy

                      06:35 Levels of Evidence in ACOG Guidelines

                      09:11 Risks & Benefits of VBAC & Elective Repeat Cesarean

                      11:48 Understanding Uterine Rupture and Uterine Dehiscence

                      14:11 Evaluating Medical Research on VBAC

                      25:31 VBAC Calculators and Prediction Models

                      34:13 Who is Not a VBAC Candidate?

                      51:35 Induction and Augmentation After Cesarean

                      VBAC Facts® resources

                      • Article: How to qualify medical studies: “Three times the risk?:” What the large Canadian VBAC study really says
                      • Article: New study reveals surprising truths about the VBAC calculator
                      • Article: Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence
                      • Article: Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence
                      
                      

                      VBAC Facts® trainings

                      • VBAC Facts® professional membership: where we house a library of continuing education trainings including The Truth About VBAC™ for Professionals, Plus Size VBAC: Odds, Risks, and Realities, The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes, The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty
                      
                      

                      Other resources

                      • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2019). ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 205. Vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 133(2), e110-e127.
                      • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2016). Refusal of medically recommended treatment during pregnancy. Committee Opinion No. 664. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 127, e175-82.
                      
                      

                      Studies mentioned

                      • 50 percent did not meet the criteria for FTP: Zhang, 2010
                      • BMI provider bias: Bernstein, 2012 & Metz, 2013
                      • "80% of people with one prior cesarean schedule an elective repeat cesarean:" Curtin, 2015
                      • Less than 3% actually labor after two cesareans: Dombrowski, 2020
                      
                      

                      Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                      Instagram: @prod.analogue

                      ]]>208ef70c-a77a-48d8-bb62-64abecad502eFri, 29 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -080054:33falsefull33E2 Coerced Cesareans Struck Down Part 2: The Woman Behind Israel’s Landmark Ruling Speaks Out: "Esther" & Tamir TurgalWe continue "Esther's" harrowing story of avoiding a court ordered cesarean. "Esther" navigates an unassisted birth after four prior cesareans amidst intense scrutiny from social and emergency services. Follow her journey through legal battles, hiding from authorities, and ultimately obtaining a landmark ruling from the Israeli Supreme Court that upholds the right to decline a cesarean. Discover the intricate ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding birth autonomy and the resilience required to make one's own medical decisions.

                      00:00 Welcome Back for Part 2

                      00:56 Seeking Refuge and Medical Concerns

                      02:04 Engaging with Social Services

                      02:42 "They Are Asking for a Psychiatric Evaluation"

                      05:59 Legal Battle and Court Hearings

                      13:57 Physician Testifies: "Suicide Mission"

                      17:40 What Jen Would Tell the Court

                      21:40 Tracking Her Through Her Phone

                      23:56 Hiding from Authorities

                      25:21 A Glimmer of Safety

                      26:10 Navigating Work and Legal Challenges

                      26:53 Courtroom Battles and Contractions

                      28:36 Police Encounters and Relocation

                      32:22 The Birth Amidst Chaos

                      36:36 No Appearance, No Compensation

                      38:39 Creating Legal Precedents and Reflections

                      40:48 The Aftermath and Moving Forward

                      41:47 Decision Making With Higher Clinical Risk

                      42:54 How She Feels About the Decision

                      43:54 Deciding to Have Unassisted Births

                      45:59 Why Women Go "Underground" to Birth

                      47:28 Feelings about Legal Precedent

                      48:24 Conviction to Move Forward

                      51:40 Conclusion

                      • The Israeli Supreme Court Ruling, dated August 25, 2024
                      • Is VBAC illegal? Is homebirth illegal? - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Single vs Double Layer Suturing: Is One Method Superior? - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      • The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      
                      

                      Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                      Instagram: @prod.analogue

                      ]]>We continue "Esther's" harrowing story of avoiding a court ordered cesarean. "Esther" navigates an unassisted birth after four prior cesareans amidst intense scrutiny from social and emergency services. Follow her journey through legal battles, hiding from authorities, and ultimately obtaining a landmark ruling from the Israeli Supreme Court that upholds the right to decline a cesarean. Discover the intricate ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding birth autonomy and the resilience required to make one's own medical decisions.

                      00:00 Welcome Back for Part 2

                      00:56 Seeking Refuge and Medical Concerns

                      02:04 Engaging with Social Services

                      02:42 "They Are Asking for a Psychiatric Evaluation"

                      05:59 Legal Battle and Court Hearings

                      13:57 Physician Testifies: "Suicide Mission"

                      17:40 What Jen Would Tell the Court

                      21:40 Tracking Her Through Her Phone

                      23:56 Hiding from Authorities

                      25:21 A Glimmer of Safety

                      26:10 Navigating Work and Legal Challenges

                      26:53 Courtroom Battles and Contractions

                      28:36 Police Encounters and Relocation

                      32:22 The Birth Amidst Chaos

                      36:36 No Appearance, No Compensation

                      38:39 Creating Legal Precedents and Reflections

                      40:48 The Aftermath and Moving Forward

                      41:47 Decision Making With Higher Clinical Risk

                      42:54 How She Feels About the Decision

                      43:54 Deciding to Have Unassisted Births

                      45:59 Why Women Go "Underground" to Birth

                      47:28 Feelings about Legal Precedent

                      48:24 Conviction to Move Forward

                      51:40 Conclusion

                      • The Israeli Supreme Court Ruling, dated August 25, 2024
                      • Is VBAC illegal? Is homebirth illegal? - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Single vs Double Layer Suturing: Is One Method Superior? - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      • The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      
                      

                      Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                      Instagram: @prod.analogue

                      ]]>e4390e4e-8134-4551-af93-43b5121e29b4Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:45:00 -080052:03falsefull22E1 Coerced Cesareans Struck Down Part 1: The Woman and Attorney Behind Israel’s Landmark Ruling Speaks Out with "Esther" & Tamir TurgalWhat would it feel like to be hunted by the police and social services over your birth choices? "Esther" found out. Join our gripping discussion with Esther and her experience with the Israeli Supreme Court ruling favoring her choice against a compelled repeat cesarean. The conversation with Esther and her attorney Tamir explores deep-seated issues of medical coercion, informed consent, and the ethical dilemmas within the healthcare system. Esther shares her personal journey through multiple pregnancies, miscarriages, and her fight for autonomy over her birthing choices. She recounts her traumatic experiences and the impact they had on her approach to healthcare, highlighting the crucial need for accurate information and respect for patient choice in medical practice.

                      00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

                      00:24 Meet Esther and Her Story

                      04:40 Esther's First Pregnancy and Miscarriage

                      06:32 The Birth of Twins and First C-Section

                      08:10 It's a Gentle Cesarean

                      10:09 Planning for a VBAC and Second C-Section

                      14:55 Never Asked About Intended Family Size

                      16:15 Uterine Window Noted During Second Cesarean

                      16:58 Single vs Double Layer Sutures

                      18:14 Fourth Pregnancy and Emergency C-Section

                      21:05 Uterine Thickness Conversation

                      24:01 "The Insurance Company Won't Event Let Us"

                      29:02 Starts Considering Unassisted Birth

                      31:44 Sixth Pregnancy After Three Cesareans

                      32:31 Struggles with Medical Care

                      35:10 Confrontation with Paramedics

                      35:43 Threatened to "Call Her Psychiatric"

                      37:03 Forcibly Sedated Her

                      37:15 Hospital Trauma of Fourth Cesarean and Aftermath

                      38:47 No Heartbeat, but Still Cesarean?

                      40:36 Three Doctors to Sign Off

                      41:26 What Evidence Based Medicine Means

                      45:28 Reflections on Stillbirth and Loss

                      46:08 Not feeling safe in her own home

                      46:49 The Journey to Trust God Again

                      48:36 Mistreatment Impacts How People Engage with Health Care

                      49:52 Staying Private About Pregnancy After Four Cesareans

                      53:57 Community Interference and Fear

                      56:24 Conclusion

                      • The Israeli Supreme Court Ruling, dated August 25, 2024
                      • Is VBAC illegal? Is homebirth illegal? - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Single vs Double Layer Suturing: Is One Method Superior? - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      • The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      
                      

                      Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                      Instagram: @prod.analogue

                      ]]>What would it feel like to be hunted by the police and social services over your birth choices? "Esther" found out. Join our gripping discussion with Esther and her experience with the Israeli Supreme Court ruling favoring her choice against a compelled repeat cesarean. The conversation with Esther and her attorney Tamir explores deep-seated issues of medical coercion, informed consent, and the ethical dilemmas within the healthcare system. Esther shares her personal journey through multiple pregnancies, miscarriages, and her fight for autonomy over her birthing choices. She recounts her traumatic experiences and the impact they had on her approach to healthcare, highlighting the crucial need for accurate information and respect for patient choice in medical practice.

                      00:00 Introduction and Content Warning

                      00:24 Meet Esther and Her Story

                      04:40 Esther's First Pregnancy and Miscarriage

                      06:32 The Birth of Twins and First C-Section

                      08:10 It's a Gentle Cesarean

                      10:09 Planning for a VBAC and Second C-Section

                      14:55 Never Asked About Intended Family Size

                      16:15 Uterine Window Noted During Second Cesarean

                      16:58 Single vs Double Layer Sutures

                      18:14 Fourth Pregnancy and Emergency C-Section

                      21:05 Uterine Thickness Conversation

                      24:01 "The Insurance Company Won't Event Let Us"

                      29:02 Starts Considering Unassisted Birth

                      31:44 Sixth Pregnancy After Three Cesareans

                      32:31 Struggles with Medical Care

                      35:10 Confrontation with Paramedics

                      35:43 Threatened to "Call Her Psychiatric"

                      37:03 Forcibly Sedated Her

                      37:15 Hospital Trauma of Fourth Cesarean and Aftermath

                      38:47 No Heartbeat, but Still Cesarean?

                      40:36 Three Doctors to Sign Off

                      41:26 What Evidence Based Medicine Means

                      45:28 Reflections on Stillbirth and Loss

                      46:08 Not feeling safe in her own home

                      46:49 The Journey to Trust God Again

                      48:36 Mistreatment Impacts How People Engage with Health Care

                      49:52 Staying Private About Pregnancy After Four Cesareans

                      53:57 Community Interference and Fear

                      56:24 Conclusion

                      • The Israeli Supreme Court Ruling, dated August 25, 2024
                      • Is VBAC illegal? Is homebirth illegal? - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Vaginal birth after two cesareans (VBA2C): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Vaginal birth after three or more cesareans (VBA3C/VBAMC): An overview of the evidence - VBAC Facts® Article
                      • Single vs Double Layer Suturing: Is One Method Superior? - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      • The Truth About VBA2C: Risk, Rates, & Outcomes - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      • The Limited Evidence on VBA3+C: Decision Making in the Midst of Uncertainty - VBAC Facts® Continuing Education Training
                      
                      

                      Music produced by (Analogue)/(prod. Analogue).

                      Instagram: @prod.analogue

                      ]]>4bceb5a2-6ba4-44d4-909a-49bb0d1cc2dcWed, 13 Nov 2024 13:45:00 -080056:49falsefull11